Courtesy of JNS. Photo credit: Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images
An Iranian state TV channel staffer walks near the Omani embassy in Rome where a second round of nuclear talks are being held between Iran and the United States on April 19, 2025
(JNS) — Diplomats from Iran and the European powers involved in the 2015 nuclear agreement — Britain, France and Germany — are scheduled to meet Friday in Istanbul for renewed discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.
The meeting marks the first formal dialogue on the matter in more than two months and is aimed at clarifying positions amid renewed momentum for indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Tensions have risen in recent weeks following comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who warned that any attempt to trigger the “snapback” mechanism — restoring U.N. sanctions lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action — would have “irreversible consequences.”
The European parties have reportedly considered this option in response to Iran’s continued breaches of the 2015 accord, particularly its uranium enrichment beyond the permitted level of 3.67%.
The Istanbul talks come as speculation grows over a potential fifth round of indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations. American officials have signaled cautious optimism, though no timeline has been confirmed.
