Iran is set to hold high-stakes talks with European powers in Istanbul on Friday in a renewed diplomatic push to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, which has been largely dormant in recent years. According to diplomatic sources, senior representatives from Iran, Britain, France, and Germany — collectively known as the E3 — will engage in discussions as both sides seek to strengthen their positions ahead of an anticipated fifth round of indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations.
The previously planned meeting on May 2 was postponed due to E3 concerns that parallel discussions might undercut the U.S.-led efforts. However, European diplomats have now decided to move forward, emphasizing the need to maintain dialogue and clarify their vision for a future nuclear agreement. The E3 is reportedly keen to reaffirm their stance and influence the direction of any potential deal, especially in light of growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities.
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Iran, on the other hand, views these talks as a strategic opportunity to gauge the European position, particularly on the sensitive issue of reimposing U.N. sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister recently cautioned European countries against triggering the so-called “snapback mechanism,” a clause in the U.N. resolution tied to the original 2015 agreement that would allow sanctions to be reinstated.
Relations between Tehran and the E3 have significantly deteriorated over the past year. This decline has been driven by new European sanctions targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program, its detention of foreign nationals, and its increasing support for Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
While the E3 are not directly involved in the current U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, which most recently concluded a fourth round in Oman, they remain closely aligned with Washington. The three European powers are actively weighing whether to employ the snapback mechanism by August if diplomatic efforts do not yield a substantial breakthrough.
Oman, acting as a mediator, has confirmed that a fifth round of talks between Iran and the United States is expected in the coming days, pending consultations in both capitals. The outcome of these talks will likely influence the European decision on further action and shape the broader geopolitical landscape surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
