Iran has warned Western powers it is “high time” to choose diplomacy over confrontation as Geneva talks with the U.K., France, and Germany—the E3—sought to prevent the return of United Nations sanctions tied to its nuclear program.
The message came as Iran took a significant step toward compliance, allowing U.N. inspectors to return to its facilities for the first time since the June conflict with Israel—a move that satisfies one of the E3’s key conditions to delay triggering sanctions ahead of the August 31 deadline.
Newsweek has reached the Foreign Ministries of the U.K., France, Germany and Iran for comment.
Why It Matters
The approaching nuclear deadline carries global consequences. Reimposed sanctions could deepen Iran’s economic isolation, destabilize energy markets, and heighten tensions with the United States and Israel, both of which view Tehran’s nuclear advances as a strategic threat.
Israeli and American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, which temporarily halted U.N. inspections, underscore the risks of military escalation. The outcome of these negotiations will test the resilience of the 2015 nuclear accord and the global nonproliferation framework at a moment of heightened regional volatility.
What To Know
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi posted on X in English and Farsi after the talks, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and a mutually beneficial outcome while stressing that ongoing discussions with the West would continue. His statement underscored Tehran’s insistence on negotiation and signaled that the country is willing to engage, but on its own terms, as pressure mounts.
دکتر تخت روانچی و اینجانب جلسه دیگری با مدیران سیاسی سه کشور اروپایی در ژنو برگزار کردیم. هر دو طرف دیدگاه‌های خود را در مورد قطعنامه ۲۲۳۱ تشریح کردند.ایران همچنان به دیپلماسی و یک راه‌حل دیپلماتیک سودمند برای هر دو طرف متعهد است.زمان آن است که سه کشور اروپایی و شورای امنیت…
— Gharibabadi (@Gharibabadi) August 26, 2025
The E3 have warned they will trigger the snapback mechanism if Iran does not comply with their conditions. Officials have offered a limited window to delay sanctions if Tehran resumes inspections and reengages with Washington. The return of U.N. inspectors, now on the ground in Iran, satisfies one of the E3’s main conditions, depending on the access granted to the facilities, and adds momentum to the talks, though the August deadline remains in place.
Russia And China Weigh In
While the snapback trigger looms, the U.N. Security Council resolution underpinning the deal expires on October 18, after which the E3 would lose formal authority to act. Russia and China have circulated proposals to extend the deal to 2026 and suspend substantive Security Council actions—a move Tehran supports to resist pressure while gaining time.
Iran’s Nuclear Activities
Iran has enriched uranium up to 60 percent purity and maintains a large stockpile, though it has not shown evidence of a coordinated weapons program. Israel and the U.S. justified the June strikes as necessary to prevent rapid nuclear weapon development, while Tehran denies any intent to build bombs. The inspectors’ return is a crucial step toward verifying Iran’s nuclear activities and directly tied to the conditions for delaying sanctions.
What People Are Saying
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi: “It was high time for the European trio to make the right choice and give diplomacy time and space.”
International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi: “When it comes to Iran, as you know, there are many facilities. Some were attacked, some were not. So we are discussing what kind of modalities, practical modalities, can be implemented in order to facilitate the restart of our work there.”
What Happens Next
With the August 31 deadline fast approaching, Europe and Iran have only days to determine whether sanctions will be reinstated. The return of U.N. inspectors, combined with Tehran’s engagement in talks, will directly influence the outcome of the negotiations and the implementation of the 2015 nuclear deal, while the United States and Israel continue to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities closely and have stressed the potential consequences of renewed enrichment.
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