Description: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghei, stated that Iran held talks with China and Russia on its disputed nuclear program and scheduled a meeting with foreign representatives from the E3 Group of countries. Baghei highlighted that China and Russia remained adamant in resolving the dispute with Iran’s nuclear program through dialogue and diplomacy and their support in the matter was unequivocal. The negotiations with France, the UK and Germany were scheduled to be held on Friday, 25 Jul in Istanbul amid threats from the European group of countries to reimpose the so – called snapback sanctions mechanism which is a provision of the 2015 JCPOA (Joint comprehensive Plan of Action). The negotiations come on the back of enhanced rearmament by Iran through the replenishment of its missile defense capabilities and consultations with the leadership of its regional militant proxy groups in Iraq. The European countries jointly stated that if a deal isn’t reached by the end of Aug, the mechanism would be reactivated which would significantly cripple Iran’s economy and potentially force it towards negotiations. Iran in return has threatened to abandon the nuclear non – proliferation treaty (NPT) if the country’s enrichment capabilities or security in any form is threatened by foreign forces.
Impact: The negotiations in Istanbul between the E3 and Iran could result in groundbreaking diplomatic rapprochement or further distancing between Iran and the international community regarding their disputed nuclear program. Europe emerges as the most viable diplomatic option for Iran to resolve the disputes of their nuclear program, as negotiations with the US have proven to be ineffective and counterproductive for the country’s national interests. The stance on both sides of the negotiations is dictated by threatening narrative which cripples the chances of reaching a potential diplomatic resolution anytime soon. France, Germany and the UK would most probably attempt to restore credibility and diplomatic integrity before engaging in direct tackling of the issue with Iran’s disputed program. Iran’s recent rearmament and meetings between its military executives and leaders of the country’s proxy groups indicates the country is preparing for renewed conflicts and downplays its public display of diplomatic transparency. The negotiations in Istanbul would most probably be marked by further diplomatic pivoting, as the E3 and Iran are yet to consolidate towards stable bilateral communication which could eventually result in a solution to the nuclear dispute.