Iran and three European powers — Britain, France, and Germany — will hold fresh nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday, Iranian state media reported. The meeting, joined by the European Union at deputy foreign minister level, marks the second round of negotiations since Iran’s 12-day war with Israel in June.
The conflict, which saw unprecedented Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and U.S. military involvement, derailed Tehran’s negotiations with Washington. In the aftermath, Iran suspended cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, accusing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of failing to condemn the strikes.
The renewed talks come against the backdrop of mounting European pressure. London, Paris, and Berlin have warned they could trigger the “snapback mechanism” embedded in the 2015 nuclear accord — the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). If activated, the clause would automatically reimpose UN sanctions lifted under the deal unless Iran reduces uranium enrichment and restores IAEA inspections.
Tehran, however, disputes the legality of the move, accusing the Europeans of breaching their own obligations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi argued that Europe has “no right” to invoke the clause.
The JCPOA, signed in 2015 by Iran and six world powers, offered sanctions relief in exchange for strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities. But the deal has been under strain since the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, which saw Washington reimpose sweeping sanctions. In response, Iran gradually scaled back its commitments.
While European countries pledged to maintain the deal, their mechanism to shield Iran from U.S. sanctions proved largely ineffective, driving foreign companies out of the country and deepening its economic crisis.
The deadline to trigger the snapback provision expires in October. However, European officials, according to the Financial Times, are considering an extension if Tehran reopens dialogue with Washington and resumes cooperation with the IAEA.
Tuesday’s talks in Geneva will test whether diplomatic engagement can prevent the escalation of a standoff that risks restoring full UN sanctions and further isolating Iran internationally.
