Iran and three European powers will resume nuclear talks on Tuesday, Iran’s foreign minister said, following a phone call with his counterparts from Britain, France and Germany as well as the European Union’s foreign policy chief.
During the call, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined Tehran’s position on the so-called “snapback” mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deal, warning the European powers and the EU against what he called their lack of legal authority to invoke the measure.
He cautioned that resorting to such a step would have serious consequences.
Araghchi said Iran remained committed to diplomacy but would continue to defend its rights and interests.
“Just as the Islamic Republic acts firmly in self-defense, it has never abandoned diplomacy and is prepared for any solution that guarantees the rights and interests of the Iranian people,” he said, according to a statement by the ministry.
Responding to European suggestions of extending UN Security Council Resolution 2231 to allow more time for negotiations, Araghchi said such a decision lay with the Council itself.
He added Tehran would continue consultations with its partners at the United Nations on the implications of such a move.
The European ministers and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated their readiness to pursue a diplomatic solution, the statement said.
Iran must engage with US and IAEA
The EU foreign policy chief on Friday urged Iran to engage with the US and cooperate with the IAEA to avert the return of UN sanctions, following what she called an important phone call with the foreign ministers of Iran, UK, France and Germany.
"Europe is committed to a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue. With the deadline for the snapback mechanism fast approaching, Iran’s readiness to engage with the US is crucial. Iran must also fully cooperate with the IAEA."
The talks between Iran and the so-called E3 will resume in Vienna on Tuesday at the level of deputy foreign ministers.
