Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with European foreign ministers in Geneva to try to prevent further conflict with Israel. The talks included officials from France, the UK, Germany, and the EU. The meeting followed US President Donald Trump’s statement that he may decide within two weeks whether to support an attack on Iran. European leaders urged Iran to return to negotiations and avoid escalation. They said Iran showed willingness to discuss its nuclear program and broader issues, including with the US.
Mr Araghchi called the talks serious and respectful and said Iran is open to diplomacy if Israeli attacks stop. He also criticized European countries for not condemning Israel’s actions.
It was the first confirmed face-to-face meeting between Western and Iranian officials since the start of the hostilities. Meanwhile, during a statement at the UN Security Council, Secretary-General António Guterres warned that an expansion of the Israel-Iran conflict could ignite a fire that no one can control, calling for peace to be given a chance.
International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Grossi said the agency is not aware of any damage at the Fordow nuclear facility at this time. However, prior of the meeting, Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that a window now exists to end the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
