Iranian FM Demands European Troika Leave “Destructive Path”
Abbas Araghchi warns that Britain, France, and Germany risk further marginalization if they persist with the snapback sanctions approach against Tehran.
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM - In an opinion piece for The Guardian, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the European troika—Britain, France, and Germany—of abandoning their role as a balancing force in global diplomacy and instead enabling Washington’s excesses.
Araghchi criticized their decision to trigger the UN “snapback” sanctions mechanism against Iran, calling it “legally baseless” and in violation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
He stressed that it was the United States, not Iran, that unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA, and accused the Europeans of failing to meet their own obligations, including maintaining trade ties and lifting nuclear-related sanctions.
Missed Opportunities and Broken Promises
Araghchi recalled that when the E3 was formed in 2003, Iran welcomed their diplomatic initiative, but talks collapsed due to Europe’s inability to offer tangible proposals and its reluctance to challenge Washington.
He emphasized that the eventual success of the JCPOA was built on mutual recognition: Europe and the U.S. accepted uranium enrichment in Iran, while Tehran accepted Washington as a negotiating party.
However, after the U.S. withdrawal in 2020 under President Trump, Europe’s promises of strategic independence, continued oil purchases, and banking channels failed to materialize.
“If the E3 can prove even one fulfilled commitment, Iran will forgo all rights under the snapback mechanism,” Araghchi stated.
Warning Against Further Marginalization
The Iranian foreign minister warned that by aligning with U.S. pressure tactics and refusing to condemn attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the E3 risked exclusion from future diplomacy.
He argued that this approach not only undermines their credibility but also diminishes Europe’s global standing.
Araghchi urged the three states to pursue “honest talks” based on genuine participation in the JCPOA, rejecting the notion of Iran abandoning enrichment while facing one-sided restrictions.
Iran’s Readiness for a Realistic Agreement
Despite sharp criticism, Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s willingness to reach a “realistic and lasting agreement” involving strict monitoring and enrichment limits in exchange for the full lifting of sanctions.
He cautioned that ignoring this opportunity could have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.
In closing, Araghchi warned that Israel’s inability to sustain confrontation with Iran this past summer exposed Western vulnerabilities.
If Europe and Washington truly want a diplomatic solution, he said, they must allow time and the right conditions for negotiations—because the alternative, he stressed, “is far from pleasant.” (PW)
Source: Fars