Nuclear Talks Between Iran and European Countries to Resume
Iran to Hold Nuclear Talks with France, Germany, and UK
TEHRAN: Iran said today that it would hold nuclear talks in the coming days with the three European countries that initiated a censure resolution against it adopted by the UN’s atomic watchdog.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the meeting of the deputy foreign ministers of Iran, France, Germany, and the UK would take place on Friday, without specifying a venue.
“A range of regional and international issues and topics, including the issues of Palestine and Lebanon, as well as the nuclear issue, will be discussed,” the spokesman said in a foreign ministry statement.
Background of the Nuclear Programme
Iran has repeatedly denied using its atomic programme to develop a nuclear weapon. The country’s nuclear programme has been a source of tension between Iran and the international community, particularly since the US unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed economic sanctions on Tehran.
Recent Developments
On Thursday, the 35-nation board of governors of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution denouncing Iran for what it called a lack of cooperation. The move came as tensions ran high over Iran’s atomic programme, which critics fear is aimed at developing a nuclear weapon.
During the visit, Iran agreed to an IAEA demand to cap its sensitive stock of near weapons-grade uranium enriched up to 60% purity. In response to the resolution, Iran announced it was launching a “series of new and advanced centrifuges”.
Centrifuges enrich uranium transformed into gas by rotating it at very high speed, increasing the proportion of fissile isotope material (U-235).
“We will substantially increase the enrichment capacity with the utilisation of different types of advanced machines,” Behrouz Kamalvandi, Iran’s atomic energy organisation spokesman, told state TV.
Iran’s Commitment to Dialogue
Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian, in power since July and a supporter of dialogue with western countries, has said he wants to remove “doubts and ambiguities” about his country’s nuclear programme.
Conclusion
The upcoming meeting between Iran and the European countries is a crucial step in resolving the nuclear issue. Iran’s commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the IAEA is essential in addressing the concerns of the international community. The country’s nuclear programme must be transparent and subject to international inspections to ensure that it is not used for military purposes.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the upcoming meeting between Iran and the European countries?
A: The meeting aims to discuss regional and international issues, including the nuclear issue, and to remove “doubts and ambiguities” about Iran’s nuclear programme.
Q: What is the current status of Iran’s nuclear programme?
A: Iran has increased its stockpiles of enriched uranium and the level of enrichment to 60%, which is close to the 90%-plus threshold required for a nuclear warhead.
Q: What is the position of the international community on Iran’s nuclear programme?
A: The international community has expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme, fearing that it may be used for military purposes. The IAEA has called on Iran to increase its cooperation and transparency in its nuclear activities.
Q: What is the significance of the 2015 nuclear deal?
A: The 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was a landmark agreement between Iran and world powers that saw the easing of international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.