(MENAFN) Iran and the trio of European powers—France, Germany, and Britain, collectively known as the E3—have confirmed plans to resume nuclear negotiations this Friday in Istanbul, according to an Iranian media outlet.

The media outlet reported late Sunday, “Iran and the European troika – comprising France, Germany and Britain – will resume nuclear negotiations on Friday in Istanbul.” Earlier in the day, media had indicated a consensus had been reached to restart talks next week, though details on timing and location were initially withheld.

This development follows urgent diplomatic engagements last Thursday, when senior officials from the UK, France, Germany, and the European Union met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. They stressed the critical need to revive negotiations toward a nuclear agreement, warning that failure to do so would prompt activation of the UN’s “snapback” sanctions mechanism.

Previously, negotiations between Tehran and Washington had been mediated through Oman. However, these efforts were disrupted following Israel’s unexpected strike on Iran on June 13, which sparked a 12-day conflict and occurred just days before a scheduled sixth round of talks in Muscat.

Iran has accused the US of colluding in the Israeli attack, which resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian military leaders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The US also launched missile strikes against three major Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming significant destruction. A ceasefire was implemented on June 24.

While Western powers insist Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, Tehran maintains its program is solely for peaceful energy purposes.

Following discussions with the E3 and EU, Araghchi stated that the US was the party that exited the 2015 nuclear agreement, adding that further negotiations can only proceed “when the other side is ready for a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial nuclear deal.”

He declared on X, “If EU/E3 want to have a role, they should act responsibly and put aside the worn-out policies of threat and pressure, including the “snap-back” for which they lack absolutely no moral and legal ground.”

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