Iran to Continue Nuclear Negotiations with European Powers Ahead of Trump’s Return

Iran is scheduled to hold nuclear talks with France, Britain, and Germany on Monday, just days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. These discussions mark the second round of talks concerning Iran's nuclear program in less than two months, following a discreet meeting in Geneva in November 2024.

European nations have criticized Iran for escalating its nuclear stockpile since the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump abandoned during his first term. Although these meetings have been described by officials as "consultations," there is an urgent push for a diplomatic resolution, particularly in light of Trump's upcoming return to the White House.

The French foreign ministry has noted that these meetings reflect ongoing efforts to address the “extremely problematic” progress of Iran's nuclear program. Recent accusations from European leaders assert that Iran has increased its high-enriched uranium stockpile to unprecedented levels without credible civilian justification.

Iran's leadership maintains that its nuclear activities are strictly for peaceful purposes and insists on a willingness to revive the now-defunct nuclear agreement to end its international isolation. The discussions occur within a framework where the parties still have the option to reinstate sanctions through the "snapback" mechanism outlined in the original deal. With the expiry of this option approaching in October, these negotiations carry heightened significance.

The International Atomic Energy Agency has reported that Iran is nearing weapon-grade levels of uranium enrichment, further heightening concerns among Western nations about its nuclear ambitions.