Iran, European Powers kick off nuclear talks in Istanbul
Delegations from Iran, Britain, France and Germany met in Istanbul on Friday for a new round of nuclear talks, with Tehran describing the meeting as a test of European realism and an opportunity to recalibrate positions on its nuclear programme.
Though Europe's influence has waned in recent years, Iranian officials emphasize that dialogue with the three European signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal has continued, framing the talks as part of a longstanding, if intermittent, engagement.
Tehran urged European capitals to reconsider what it termed 'unconstructive' positions, presenting the Istanbul meeting as a chance for the trio to revise their approach and revive diplomatic momentum.
The talks represent the first diplomatic contact between Iran and Western powers since the recent 12-day conflict with Israel, during which Israel and the United States carried out multiple strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
Earlier today, the Financial Times reported that some European governments were weighing a temporary pause before activating the 'snapback' mechanism — a process that would reinstate UN sanctions lifted under the 2015 accord. The move follows Iran's suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Meanwhile Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's nuclear policy remains unchanged, stressing that uranium enrichment continues as part of its declared peaceful programme.
'The world must understand that we remain firm and resolute in defending the Iranian people's right to peaceful nuclear energy, particularly enrichment,' he stressed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
US, Israel skip UN Gaza conference
Shafaq News - Washington The United States and Israel will boycott a United Nations conference on Monday aimed at reviving momentum for a two-state solution, arguing the meeting will derail efforts to end the war in Gaza. Tommy Pigott, Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, dismissed the conference as 'a gift to Hamas,' accusing the group of obstructing ceasefire efforts. Explaining Washington's position, Pigott emphasized that the US 'will not support actions that jeopardize the prospect for a long-term, peaceful resolution to the conflict.' Israel also plans to skip the event. 'We are not taking part in a conference which doesn't first urgently address the issue of condemning Hamas and returning all of the remaining hostages,' stated Jonathan Harounoff, international spokesperson at Israel's UN mission. Their stance follows the decision by both Washington and Tel Aviv to pull out of ongoing ceasefire talks with Hamas. US President Donald Trump accused the group of 'deliberately obstructing' efforts to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, claiming it has 'no real intention of reaching an agreement.' Co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, the meeting was originally set for June but postponed after Israel struck Iran. Ministers from several countries are now expected to gather at UN headquarters in New York to discuss parameters for a future Palestinian state, while also addressing Israeli security concerns. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the conference would also serve as a platform to promote broader recognition of Palestinian statehood. 'We will launch an appeal in New York so that other countries join us to initiate an even more ambitious and demanding dynamic that will culminate on September 21,' he told La Tribune Dimanche. Last week, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France intends to recognize a Palestinian state during the annual UN General Assembly in September — a move opposed by both Israel and the United States. The conference takes place as Israel's war in Gaza approaches its tenth month. Since the conflict began, 59,821 Palestinians have been killed and 144,851 wounded, according to Gaza health authorities
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
President Barzani: Not a single Yazidi should remain forgotten
Shafaq News – Erbil Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani called on the Iraqi government to fulfill its responsibilities toward the Yazidi community, particularly after the 2014 genocide committed by the Islamic State (ISIS). In a speech delivered on the president's behalf by his advisor Dilshad Shahab, during a ceremony commemorating the eleventh anniversary of the Yazidi genocide in Erbil on Monday, Barzani stressed the importance of justice, recognition, and sustained support for Yazidi survivors. According to the statement, the Kurdistan Region will continue its efforts, including at the international level, to ensure broader recognition of the genocide and to support Yazidis in reclaiming their rights. It affirmed the Region's commitment to backing all initiatives aimed at protecting Yazidis and assisting in their recovery. The presidency's remarks underscored that the fate of Yazidis still missing since 2014 must not be neglected. 'The Office for the Rescue of Kidnapped Yazidis, originally established by the presidency, must persist in its mission until the status of every abductee is known.' The Kurdish president also called for the implementation of the Yazidi Survivors Law, adopted by the Iraqi parliament to recognize and compensate victims of ISIS crimes. 'Eleven years after the genocide, large numbers of Yazidis remain displaced, many still living in camps under difficult conditions. Their original areas, including Sinjar and nearby districts, remain largely destroyed, with little access to basic services or a sense of security.' According to the presidency, this ongoing situation not only hinders the return of Yazidis to their homes but reflects 'a broader failure by the federal government to establish stability in Sinjar.' The area, it said, remains under the control of various armed factions, despite the 2020 Sinjar Agreement between Baghdad and Erbil. The presidency reiterated that Sinjar must not remain a contested zone for militias and that full implementation of the agreement — including the establishment of a local administration and public services — is necessary to provide Yazidis with the confidence to return. It also stressed the role of the international community in supporting reconstruction efforts, delivering justice, and recognizing the genocide. 'The Kurdistan Region continues to lobby for broader international acknowledgment.' Concluding the message, President Barzani reiterated his readiness to offer full support to Yazidis, affirming, 'Not a single abductee should remain forgotten. Whatever is necessary for their rescue or to uncover their fate, we will continue to pursue it.'
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Federal Court throws out lawsuits on Kurdistan salaries
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq's Federal Supreme Court on Monday dismissed two lawsuits concerning the disbursement of salaries in the Kurdistan Region, citing a lack of jurisdiction in both cases. The first suit (No. 107) targeted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Finance Minister Taif Sami, demanding a ruling to keep employee salaries in the Region insulated from political dispute and the current agreement between Baghdad and Erbil. A second lawsuit (No. 104), also against Minister Sami, sought to compel the federal government to release monthly payments to public servants, retirees, families of martyrs, and recipients of social support—regardless of disagreements over the Budget Law or other related issues.
