European, Iranian officials expected to meet Friday in diplomatic push
Officials from Iran and three major European countries are expected to meet Friday in Geneva, in the latest diplomatic push amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the meeting to Iran’s state-run news agency, IRNA.
Araghchi said he plans to meet with foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, Germany and France, as well as European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Araghchi said the meeting was requested by officials from the three European countries.
Reuters initially reported on the planned talks, which the outlet said would focus on persuading the Iranian side to guarantee its nuclear program would be used solely for civilian purposes.
The four European officials held a phone call with Araghchi on Monday “regarding the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel,” according to a readout of the call issued Wednesday.
“E3 Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union shared their concerns with regards to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and expressed their view that all sides must show restraint, refrain from taking steps which lead to further escalation in the region, and return to diplomacy,” the statement Wednesday read.
“They reiterated the E3 and the European Union’s commitment to regional security. They reaffirmed Israel’s right to protect its security and people, in adherence with international law,” the statement continued.
They said they expressed concern about Iran’s nuclear program, which “largely exceeds any credible civilian purpose,” and urged Iran to “take decisive steps to return to negotiations and pave the way for a diplomatic solution.”
The officials did not confirm the meeting Friday but warned Iran against withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and “underscored their call to de-escalate and their commitment to contribute and to reach a negotiated solution to Iran’s nuclear programme.”
Updated at 11:55 a.m. EDT