A senior Iranian lawmaker cautioned European nations on Wednesday that Tehran would take retaliatory measures if its interests are disregarded in ongoing nuclear negotiations.
"If Europe ignores Iran's interests, we will make decisions that will harm them," said Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, as reported by state media.
Boroujerdi criticized European countries for what he described as a passive role in the indirect talks between Iran and the United States concerning Tehran's nuclear program. He expressed particular concern over recent statements from French officials advocating for the activation of the "snapback" mechanism, which could reinstate United Nations sanctions on Iran.
"Europe's inaction and France's remarks about reimposing sanctions lack logic," Boroujerdi said. "We have adhered to international regulations and are advancing our nuclear program based on global treaties and the principles of the International Atomic Energy Agency."
The lawmaker also suggested that the United States may prefer to exclude European involvement in the negotiations. "I don't believe America is keen on Europe's direct participation in the talks, as their proposal was for bilateral discussions," he added.
Iran is scheduled to meet with the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal—Britain, France, and Germany—in Rome on Friday, ahead of a new round of US-Iranian negotiations set for Saturday.
France warned on Monday that it would reimpose sanctions on Iran if European security interests were not guaranteed under the expiring nuclear deal.
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the agreement has been under strain since the United States withdrew from it in 2018, leading to renewed tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a new deal.
