Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is set to discuss nuclear talks and sanctions with his French, British and German counterparts in a joint phone call on Friday, according to Reuters.
The three European powers have threatened to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran under a “snapback” mechanism if Iran does not reach a diplomatic solution by the end of August.
These countries claim that Iran is using the nuclear program to develop nuclear weapons. However, Tehran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
In July, Araqchi told his European counterparts that they have no moral or legal grounds for reactivating UN sanctions, according to Al Arabiya.
Araqchi’s remarks come after Europeans threatened to do so in coming months if there is no progress in nuclear talks.
“If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the ‘snap-back’ for which they (have) absolutely no moral (or) legal grounds,” Araghchi said on X.
He also noted Tehran is ready for a new round of talks if the other side is willing to reach “a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial nuclear deal.”
In June, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that the Europeans would be “justified” in pursuing a snapback of UN sanctions lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and major powers.
The speculation about Tehran’s nuclear program has been increasing since Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13.
The US became directly involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran on June 22 after launching airstrikes on the Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
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