Top diplomats from European powers and the United States has concluded arrangements to hold talks to see how to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, days ahead of a deadline set by Tehran that could hinder these efforts.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will host his German and British counterparts in Paris as soon as possible with new US Secretary of State Antony Blinken joining via videoconference, the French foreign ministry said on Wednesday February 17th.
Meanwhile, Iran plans to restrict some UN nuclear agency inspections, if the US does not lift its sanctions – it imposed since 2018 by former President Donald Trump – by February 21, under the terms of a bill adopted by its parliament in December.
Highlighting the tough path ahead, German Chancellor Angela Merkel voiced “concern that Iran was failing to meet its obligations in telephone talks with President Hassan Rouhani, her spokesman said in a statement.
Analysts have said only a small window of opportunity remains to save the landmark deal, which received a near-fatal blow when Trump walked out in 2018.
The administration of current US President Joe Biden has said it is prepared to rejoin the deal and start lifting sanctions if Iran returns to full compliance, a precondition disputed by Tehran.
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