Iran and E3 Agree to Hold More Nuclear Talks Soon

Iran and European powers have agreed to hold another round of nuclear talks soon, following discussions in Istanbul on Friday. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi characterized the talks as "good" and "serious, frank, and detailed." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he wouldn't rule out diplomacy with Israel, despite a current ceasefire between the two arch-enemies. The next round of talks has not been specified.

Iran and European powers have agreed to hold another round of nuclear talks in the coming weeks, following discussions in Istanbul on Friday. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi characterized the talks as "good" and "serious, frank, and detailed." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that he would not rule out diplomacy with Israel, despite the ongoing ceasefire between the two arch-enemies. The next round of talks has not been specified.

The talks in Istanbul, which took place at Iran's consulate, were the first since Israel and the U.S. bombed Iran last month. The main focus was on the expiration of the United Nations resolution that governs the 2015 nuclear deal, with the deadline of October 18 fast approaching. This resolution, which lifted sanctions on Iran, could be automatically revoked if the "snapback" mechanism is triggered at least 30 days before the deadline. European nations are pushing to extend this provision by up to six months to give more time for diplomacy.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that both sides presented specific ideas on sanctions relief and the nuclear issue. He noted that while Iran criticized the stance of the European countries regarding the recent conflict, they agreed to continue consultations on the matter. The European countries, along with China and Russia, are the remaining parties to the 2015 deal, from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief, Rafael Grossi, expressed optimism that nuclear inspection visits might be able to restart this year. He emphasized the importance of discussing the technical details of inspections now. Grossi stated that Iran needs to provide information on the whereabouts of 400 kg (880 pounds) of near-weapons-grade highly enriched uranium, whose location is unknown since the recent strikes.

The U.S. is not participating in these talks, with Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stating that there are no current plans for talks with the U.S. The U.S. has repeatedly framed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as unfit for purpose because it did not limit Iran's ballistic missile research program or its use of regional proxy forces.

The next round of talks will likely focus on the snapback sanctions timeline and broader security matters beyond Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. and Iran could engage in a security package on the regional front, in addition to a focused nuclear deal.

References:
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/International/iran-hold-nuclear-talks-europeans-trump-threatens-renewed/story?id=123989464
[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-europeans-hold-frank-nuclear-talks-with-un-sanctions-looming-2025-07-25/