Iran will hold discussions in Rome on Friday with the European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed Wednesday, as both sides prepare for a new round of U.S.-Iran negotiations set for Saturday.
According to Reuters, Iran had proposed the meeting with Britain, France, and Germany—the E3—who remained committed to the agreement even after it began to unravel in 2018 when President Trump withdrew the United States from the deal during his first term.
“In my opinion, the three European countries have lost their role due to the wrong policies they have adopted,” Araqchi told state media. “Of course, we do not want this and are ready to hold talks with them in Rome.”
Initial reluctance from the E3 stemmed from concerns the meeting could undermine the Trump administration’s revived negotiations with Tehran. But three European diplomats told Reuters the E3 ultimately decided it was in their interest to maintain a direct channel with Iran and reinforce their vision for a future nuclear agreement.
Political directors from the European foreign ministries were in Berlin on Wednesday to meet with U.S. officials, review the outcomes of prior U.S.-Iran talks, and prepare for the Rome meeting, two diplomats said.
The planned meeting follows renewed nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran that resumed in Oman last Saturday. Iran also recently held discussions with Russia and China as it looks to maintain momentum ahead of this weekend’s U.S.-Iran meeting in Rome.
