US envoy for Iran Robert Malley will on Friday meet diplomats from three European powers over the Iranian nuclear crisis as Vienna-based talks to salvage a 2015 deal remain suspended.
The agreement between Iran and world powers to find a long-term solution to the now two-decade-old crisis over its controversial nuclear program has been moribund since former US president Donald Trump walked out of the deal in May 2018.
His successor Joe Biden has said he is ready to re-enter the agreement so long as Iran meets key preconditions.
But the Vienna-based talks through intermediaries made little headway, before being interrupted by the election of hardliner Ebrahim Raisi as Iran’s president.
Malley’s trip to Paris for the meeting with the so-called E3 of Britain, France and Germany comes after he visited the Gulf for talks with allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates who are all deeply concerned by Iran’s nuclear program.
“Following consultations with partners in the region, Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley will meet with his E3 counterparts in Paris on Friday,” a US State Department spokesman said, without giving further details.
A French diplomatic source also confirmed the meeting, adding that a representative of the EU’s foreign policy section would attend.
Western powers, Israel and pro-Washington Arabian peninsula states fear that Iran intends to develop an atomic bomb. Tehran denies this, insisting it only seeks to produce energy for its population.
The nuclear deal promised Iran step-by-step sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its atomic work which would be under the strict supervision of the UN atomic agency.
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi expressed concern Tuesday he was still waiting for a “high level” discussion with Iranian officials in Tehran, after negotiating last month a new compromise on monitoring Iran’s nuclear program to help restart the talks in Vienna.
US Iran envoy to hold nuclear talks with European powers
- Trump's successor Joe Biden has said he is ready to re-enter the agreement so long as Iran meets key preconditions.
- The nuclear deal promised Iran step-by-step sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its atomic work.
Today's Headlines
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
The Fourth of July is a sacred day in our country. A day of history, of hope, remembrance and resolve with promise and possibilities. Before me stands monuments of the…
The Gulf country is setting a new benchmark for supporting working mothers by doubling the mandated maternity leave to 120 days, Kathryn Martin VFS Global tell TRENDS.
The government would provide thirty-five percent of the investments The rest of it, sixty-five percent, will come from the private sector Saudi Arabia expects to generate $150 billion from investments…
PwC forecasts that AI could contribute US$320 billion to Middle Eastern economies by 2030, with healthcare predicted to see some of the largest gains relative to its current size
The region, fueled by ambition and massive investment, is rapidly advancing in technology and infrastructure, aiming to secure a leading role in the 4IR.