Mon Jul 21 05:14:53 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Following recent attacks by the US and Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities, and amidst escalating tensions, Iran has agreed to fresh talks with Britain, France, and Germany (the E3) in Istanbul on Friday, July 18, 2025. The talks, requested by the European nations, focus on Iran’s nuclear program, with the E3 threatening to reimpose sanctions if progress isn’t made. Russia, while maintaining cordial relations with Iran, has also expressed its position on stabilizing the situation. This comes after failed nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman, ended due to US strikes. The 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) is on the verge of collapse, with European powers threatening to trigger its “snapback” mechanism to reinstate sanctions. Iran has stated that the E3 countries relinquished their role as participants in the JCPOA by supporting Israeli and US actions.
**News Article:**
**Iran Agrees to New Nuclear Talks Amidst Tensions, Sanctions Loom**
**Istanbul, Turkey – July 21, 2025** – Following weeks of escalating tensions and recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States and Israel, Iran has agreed to a new round of talks with European powers in Istanbul this Friday, according to Iranian state media.
The talks, requested by Britain, France, and Germany (the E3), will focus on Iran’s nuclear program. The E3 have warned they may reimpose sanctions on Tehran if it does not return to the negotiating table and make progress in addressing concerns about its nuclear ambitions. These will be the first talks since the U.S. launched a wave of strikes on June 22 against Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Fordo enrichment facility.
“In response to the request of European countries, Iran has agreed to hold a new round of talks,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai.
The move comes after weeks of heightened rhetoric and a near-collapse of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). European nations have threatened to trigger the JCPOA’s “snapback” mechanism, which would reimpose sanctions on Iran.
Iran has condemned the E3’s potential use of the snapback sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the E3 have “relinquished their role as ‘Participants’ in the JCPOA” due to their support for the Israeli and US actions.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a surprise meeting with a top advisor to Iran’s supreme leader on nuclear issues, Ali Larijani, where he expressed Russia’s position on stabilizing the region and the Iranian nuclear program.
The outcome of these talks will be closely watched, as the international community seeks to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict in the Middle East.
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