Berlin, London and Paris await concrete steps from Tehran

Thursday 18 September 2025 - 08:00

By: Sahili Aya

Berlin, London and Paris await concrete steps from Tehran

Germany, the United Kingdom, and France urged Iran on Wednesday to take “concrete steps” regarding its nuclear program in order to avoid the reimposition of international sanctions within the next ten days.

In a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the three European foreign ministers — Johann Wadephul, Yvette Cooper, and Jean-Noël Barrot — reaffirmed their demand that Tehran grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) full access to nuclear sites and take measures to ensure transparency. A German government statement later stressed that “the ball is in Iran’s court.”

The E3 nations (Germany, UK, and France) reiterated an offer to extend the deadline before the so-called “snapback” mechanism is triggered, which would restore United Nations sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. Diplomatic sources underlined that this extension depends on tangible Iranian commitments.

Araghchi, for his part, said Iran was ready to seek a “fair and balanced solution” but warned that European partners should act with “responsibility and independence,” signaling that Tehran expects them not to follow Washington and Israel’s hardline positions.

The IAEA recently reported that Iran had accelerated its uranium enrichment to levels near weapons-grade before the June conflict, raising new concerns among Western powers. While Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons, insisting its program is for civilian purposes, European governments remain skeptical.

Talks between Tehran and Washington, briefly launched in April, remain suspended following joint Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian facilities in June. European diplomats continue to call for a diplomatic resolution, but prospects for renewed negotiations with the United States remain uncertain.