Iran says ready to rebuild ‘mutual trust’ with Europe

Iran’s highest-ranking diplomat stated on Sunday that his nation stands prepared to restore confidence with European powers as they deliberate the potential reimposition of UN sanctions on the Islamic republic, in accordance with the 2015 nuclear agreement.

“Iran is prepared, should it witness genuine resolve and an independent stance from the European signatories, to embark on a new chapter in its relationship with Europe,” affirmed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

“If Europe possesses the requisite will to rectify its current approach, Iran perceives no impediment to rebuilding mutual trust and expanding bilateral relations,” he conveyed at a diplomatic forum held in Tehran.

On Friday, senior Iranian diplomats engaged in discussions with their counterparts from Britain, France, and Germany concerning the status of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran.

Tehran has conducted four rounds of nuclear talks with Washington, facilitated by Oman, representing the highest level of engagement between the two adversaries since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord.

During his first term, US President Donald Trump effectively undermined the agreement in 2018 by unilaterally withdrawing and reinstating sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports and banking sector.

Subsequently, a year later, Iran began to retract its commitments under the agreement, which had provided sanctions relief in exchange for UN-supervised limitations on its nuclear activities.

The three European nations party to the 2015 accord are currently considering whether to invoke the “snapback” mechanism, which would reinstate UN sanctions in response to Iran’s non-compliance. This option is set to expire in October.

Earlier this month, Minister Araghchi cautioned against “irreversible” repercussions should Britain, France, and Germany proceed with reimposing sanctions.

The minister had previously proposed visiting London, Paris, and Berlin for discussions encompassing the nuclear issue, as well as other areas of “mutual interest and concern.”

In his address on Sunday, he urged the European nations to prioritize shared interests over points of divergence.