Iran, European Powers Hold Nuclear Talks in Istanbul as Trump Issues Ultimatum
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Iran and European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal met in Istanbul on Friday to discuss the status of indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States, even as former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning urging Iran to “move quickly” toward a new agreement.
The discussions come amid renewed tension surrounding efforts to revive the nuclear accord dismantled by Trump in 2018, when the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the pact and reimposed sweeping sanctions.
Iran Warns Against UN Sanctions, Urges Diplomatic Caution
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned of “irreversible consequences” if Britain, France, or Germany (E3) move to reintroduce United Nations sanctions previously lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who participated in the talks, confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that the sides discussed “the latest status of indirect negotiations and sanctions relief.”
He signaled openness to further meetings with the E3, and possibly China, Russia, and the United States, who were all part of the original agreement.
U.K. Reaffirms Commitment to Dialogue, Urges Urgency
Christian Turner, political director at the U.K. Foreign Office, also posted on X, emphasizing that the E3 reaffirmed their “commitment to dialogue” and welcomed ongoing U.S.-Iran talks. The parties agreed to reconvene soon, citing the urgency of the moment.
Trump Warns Iran: “Move Quickly or Face Consequences”
From Abu Dhabi, Trump stated that a new proposal had been handed to Iran following four rounds of negotiations mediated by Oman. Though no details were provided, he added ominously:
“They know they have to move quickly or something bad is going to happen.”
These talks mark the highest-level indirect contact between Washington and Tehran since Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi refuted claims about an imminent deal, saying:
“We have not been given anything.”
Context: JCPOA Fallout and the Path Ahead
The original 2015 nuclear deal aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. After the U.S. pulled out, Iran began scaling back its own commitments, increasing enrichment levels and reducing access for international inspectors.
Despite a series of European and regional mediation efforts, progress has remained fragile, hindered by distrust, political transitions, and regional dynamics.
The coming weeks may prove pivotal as diplomacy is tested against geopolitical tension and election-year rhetoric.