French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot underscored the necessity for ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran to align with European security interests. Speaking ahead of an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg, Barrot stated that France, along with Britain and Germany—collectively known as the E3—would closely monitor the discussions to ensure they do not compromise regional and global security priorities.
The upcoming round of talks is scheduled to take place in Rome, Italy, following initial discussions in Muscat, Oman. These negotiations mark a significant shift from previous indirect communications, with direct conversations now occurring between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The talks which occur amidst heightened tensions, with concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels reaching 60%, significantly above the 3.67% limit set in the 2015 nuclear agreement. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi plans to visit Tehran to address unresolved compliance issues and enhance inspector access.
European leaders remain committed to diplomatic solutions, emphasizing the importance of Iran’s full cooperation with the IAEA and adherence to its nuclear obligations. The E3 continues to advocate for a return to negotiations that uphold the principles of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and ensure regional stability.
