Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi says that a second round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and three European nations Britain, France, and Germany will take place on January 13 in Geneva. This is as per the ISNA news agency.
These negotiations follow a preceding round in November 2024, which is the first meeting since the US presidential election. The earlier meeting occurred as tensions over a European-sponsored resolution that faulted Tehran for insufficient cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In reaction to the resolution, Iran said it would add more uranium-enriching centrifuges at its nuclear facilities.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi reported in December that Iran is rapidly advancing its enrichment to 60% purity as it approaches the 90% needed for weaponized material. Despite Tehran’s assurances that it pursues the program for civilian use, such action has drawn global powers further into concern.
The nuclear standoff traces back to 2018 when the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed strict sanctions, a move that prompted Iran to breach the pact’s limits. Efforts under the Biden administration to revive the agreement have stalled. However, former President Trump, during his recent election campaign, emphasized the need for a deal, warning of severe consequences otherwise.
When talks resume, Iran’s enrichment activities are expected to be tackled as well as a way forward to move out of rising geopolitical tensions.
