Iran Stresses Diplomacy as Approach to Resolving Nuclear Issue

(MENAFN) Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi reiterated on Tuesday that diplomacy remains Iran's exclusive approach to resolving its nuclear challenges.

In a phone conversation later that evening with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Araghchi emphasized Iran's willingness to seek a "fair and balanced" resolution that protects shared interests, as stated in a press release from Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

The two officials underscored the importance of continuing their bilateral dialogue and reviewed issues concerning their nations' relationship, including consular matters.

Araghchi also responded to the recent activation of the "snapback" mechanism by the three European powers—France, Britain, and Germany—known collectively as the E3, which is aimed at reinstating international sanctions on Iran. He condemned the move as an attempt to escalate tensions and deepen the crisis.

Emphasizing the "peaceful" nature of Iran’s nuclear program, Araghchi also highlighted a recent agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resume cooperative efforts between Tehran and the agency.

On the French side, Barrot expressed concern over the growing tensions, stressing the critical need for continued dialogue and a return to diplomatic negotiations.

On August 28, the E3 notified the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of their decision to trigger the snapback mechanism, part of the 2015 nuclear agreement. This action opens the door for the reinstatement of UN sanctions on Iran within 30 days.

The snapback provision, a key element of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), allows the original signatories to reinstate sanctions if Iran fails to uphold its commitments under the deal.

Signed in 2015 by Iran and six global powers—Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States—the JCPOA saw Tehran agree to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the United States' unilateral withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 and the re-imposition of sanctions led to Iran scaling back its nuclear commitments in response.

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