DUBAI/PARIS, April 30 – In a significant diplomatic move, Iran has announced that it will meet with three European nations in Rome this Friday, a day before the next round of nuclear discussions with the United States. The meeting, set to take place with the United Kingdom, France, and Germany commonly referred to as the E3 marks a critical juncture as all parties maneuver to shape the future of the nuclear accord that once promised regional stability but has since faltered.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed the planned discussions, emphasizing that despite strained ties, Tehran remains open to engaging with the European signatories of the 2015 nuclear agreement. This deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), had been intended to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for economic relief. However, it began to unravel in 2018 after the United States, under then-President Donald Trump, unilaterally withdrew and reimposed sweeping sanctions.
Araqchi criticized the E3’s approach over the past few years, stating, “The European countries have unfortunately weakened their own role in this matter through misguided policies. Nevertheless, we do not wish to exclude them and are willing to hold meaningful dialogue in Rome.”
Initially, there had been reluctance among the E3 regarding the proposed meeting. European diplomats were reportedly wary that such talks might create a secondary negotiating track or undermine broader efforts between Tehran and Washington. However, after internal consultations, the three countries ultimately agreed it was essential to maintain open communication with Iran, especially amid concerns that the opportunity to prevent nuclear escalation may soon narrow.
As part of the preparation for the Rome discussions, European foreign ministry officials met with U.S. representatives in Berlin to receive updates on previous U.S.-Iran interactions and align strategies ahead of Friday’s diplomatic encounter.
Iran’s engagement with the E3 follows recent rounds of talks held with Russia and China, and a resumption of indirect negotiations with the U.S. in Oman. The sequence of these meetings indicates Iran’s desire to gauge the geopolitical climate and explore options that may influence the course of future diplomacy. Importantly, it is believed that Iran aims to understand the European stance on the possible reinstatement of United Nations sanctions — a clause known as the “snapback mechanism.” This clause could be triggered before October when the UN resolution that endorsed the original nuclear accord is set to expire.
Tensions between Iran and the E3 have deepened over the past year. Although there have been intermittent meetings since late 2023, progress has been minimal due to mounting grievances. These include Tehran’s ballistic missile advancements, continued detentions of dual nationals, and its strategic alignment with Russia, particularly amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a stark reflection of the current discord, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot recently made strong remarks regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. He warned that if current negotiations fail, France would not hesitate to invoke the snapback mechanism, which he claimed could have severe economic consequences for Iran. Barrot further accused Tehran of nearing the capability to develop a nuclear weapon — a claim Iran has consistently rejected, asserting that its nuclear program serves only peaceful, civilian purposes.
Responding to Barrot’s statements, Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, issued a letter to the UN Security Council denouncing the French minister’s allegations. The letter described the remarks as “politically irresponsible” and the proposed sanctions as “illegitimate and coercive.” Iravani insisted that any move to reimpose sanctions would be legally flawed and contrary to international norms.
The diplomatic pressure intensified further on Tuesday when the United States announced a new round of sanctions. The measures target a procurement network allegedly operating between Iran and China, suspected of acquiring key materials used in the production of ballistic missiles for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Araqchi criticized the imposition of the sanctions at such a sensitive time, describing them as a disruptive move that undermines the spirit of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Despite the political turbulence, both the U.S. and Iran are scheduled to resume talks in Rome on Saturday. The continuation of these indirect discussions points to a shared, albeit fragile, interest in finding common ground. U.S President Donald Trump, who remains a central figure in shaping U.S. policy discussions, has recently expressed confidence in securing a revamped agreement that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran’s outreach to the E3, in this context, appears to be a calculated move. By re-engaging with the European powers while continuing discussions with the U.S, Russia, and China, Tehran may be seeking to create leverage and ensure that it is not diplomatically isolated in the evolving global order.
The coming days could prove pivotal. Whether the Rome meetings produce substantive progress or simply reinforce existing divides remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the stakes are high — not only for Iran and its negotiating partners but also for broader regional and global security.