ISTANBUL (Dispatches) – 
Iranian and European diplomats convened in Istanbul on Friday for the first face-to-face nuclear talks since last month’s Israeli and U.S. aggression against Iran. 
The meeting, described by Iranian officials as “serious, frank, and detailed,” focused on Tehran’s nuclear program and the looming threat of renewed sanctions under the so-called snapback mechanism.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, who led the Iranian delegation alongside Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, emphasized that the talks were an opportunity to clarify Tehran’s principled stance. 
Writing on X after the meeting, Gharibabadi said the Iranian side “seriously criticized the European parties’ stances regarding the recent war of aggression against our people” and elaborated on Iran’s position concerning the snapback mechanism. 
“Both sides came to the meeting with specific ideas, the various aspects of which were examined. It was agreed that consultations on this matter will continue.”
The meeting comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions following Israel’s June 13 airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites, followed by U.S. strikes on several nuclear locations including Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. These military aggressions, which Iran has condemned as violations of international law, derailed ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian officials have consistently maintained that the attacks constituted blatant aggression and a violation of the UN Charter. 
Takht-Ravanchi stressed in a post-meeting briefing that the strikes were “contrary to all international norms and the United Nations Charter,” urging the international community to condemn them. 
Tehran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also expressed sharp criticism of Europe’s “biased position” in supporting or failing to condemn the Israeli and U.S. aggression, calling for the European parties to “reassess their unconstructive attitude” and restore credibility in the negotiation process.
The looming threat of reimposing UN sanctions under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) remains central to the talks. The so-called snapback mechanism would automatically reinstate sanctions lifted under the original deal if Iran is found to be non-compliant. However, Iranian officials argue that the E3 (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) no longer have legal standing to invoke the mechanism.
In a letter to the UN Secretary-General and Security Council members, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi underscored that the European powers had “halted their commitments” under the JCPOA, especially in light of their support or tolerance of military attacks on Iran. 
“They lack both legal and moral authority to trigger snapback sanctions,” Araghchi wrote, reinforcing Tehran’s rejection of any attempt to extend UN Security Council Resolution 2231 beyond its scheduled expiration.
Baghaei further dismissed discussions about extending Resolution 2231 as “meaningless and baseless,” reiterating Iran’s position that the European parties’ violations “disqualified” them from taking action under the agreement. 
“We oppose any attempt to prolong or revive mechanisms that have been breached by those who do not uphold their own commitments.”
Iran also firmly maintains its right to uranium enrichment under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), describing it as a “non-negotiable” sovereign right essential to its peaceful nuclear program. 
Gharibabadi emphasized that “enrichment within the framework of the NPT is a right of Iran, which must be respected.” Tehran remains open to discussing technical details such as the rate and level of enrichment but rejects any restriction on its fundamental enrichment capabilities.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity had grown to over 400 kilograms, a level close to weapons-grade material. 
Tehran, however, has repeatedly denied any intention to develop nuclear weapons, with President Masoud Pezeshkian stating in a recent interview that Iran’s nuclear program is for “civilian and peaceful 
purposes” and that the country has “no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons.”
Since the strikes, Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA, accusing the watchdog of bias and failure to condemn Israel’s attacks. 
Baghaei noted that Iran’s decision was a response to “unlawful military aggression that violated the UN Charter and damaged the non-proliferation regime.” 
Nonetheless, he indicated that future cooperation with the IAEA will continue “in a new form” under the supervision of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of resuming inspection visits later this year, emphasizing the urgency of agreeing on technical arrangements. However, Iranian officials have signaled that any return of inspectors will be contingent on respect for Iran’s sovereignty and security concerns.
European diplomats have threatened that they may trigger snapback sanctions by the end of August unless Iran takes “concrete steps” such as resuming full cooperation with the IAEA and addressing its enriched uranium stockpile.
At the Istanbul meeting, Takht-Ravanchi said, “we clearly expressed our views and objections to some remarks from certain countries regarding the reimposition of sanctions and the snapback mechanism”. 
“We also discussed our rights under the NPT framework, including uranium enrichment, emphasizing that enrichment is one of our legitimate rights and must continue within Iran. 
“The issue of lifting sanctions — specifically the need for the prompt removal of unjust sanctions — was another key topic raised during today’s meeting,” he added.
Gharibabadi warned earlier this week that snapback sanctions would be “completely illegal” and called for “common ground” to manage the situation.
“The Islamic Republic is still seeking constructive engagement and is committed to its obligations under the NPT and international law,” Gharibabadi said. “But the European parties must first restore trust by ending their double standards and halting support for military aggression against Iran.”
Friday’s talks ended after four hours with agreement to continue consultations. Both sides presented “specific ideas” on sanctions relief and the nuclear issue, but fundamental disagreements remain.