Iran's 'nuclear' move toward 3 European countries: 'Not a negotiation, but a discussion'

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Iran will hold new talks with Germany, France, and the UK on January 13, following the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed in 2015 between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany, which reached a stalemate after the US withdrew in 2018.

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Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced that a new round of talks will be held on January 13 between Iran and three European countries (Germany, the UK, and France). According to Iran's official news agency IRNA, Gharibabadi made statements regarding the nuclear talks during an event held in the capital, Tehran.

'NOT A NEGOTIATION, BUT A DISCUSSION'

Emphasizing that the meeting should not be characterized as a negotiation, Gharibabadi stated, "This meeting is not a negotiation, but a discussion. We will hold further consultations on the framework and methods to be followed should negotiations resume."

THE PROCESS LEADING TO THE JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed on July 14, 2015, between Iran and the permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC)—the US, Russia, China, the UK, and France—plus Germany (5+1). The agreement stipulated the easing of economic sanctions in exchange for Iran limiting its nuclear program.

However, in 2018, then-US President Donald Trump announced that the US was unilaterally withdrawing from the agreement. This move led to a stalemate in nuclear negotiations, while Iran increased its uranium enrichment activities, raising the level to 60 percent.

GROSSI'S WARNING

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, during his visit to Iran in December 2024, met with officials in the country and emphasized the necessity of a new nuclear roadmap. Grossi stated, "The JCPOA no longer exists, and we need more. Iran is enriching uranium to almost military levels. Therefore, we need to find a different path."

News Source: 12punto