Talks between Iran and the UK, France and Germany, known collectively as the E3 countries, concluded in Istanbul today with both sides agreeing to continue discussions aimed at breaking the deadlock over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The meeting, held at the Iranian Consulate, marked the first formal engagement since the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June, which included US airstrikes on nuclear-linked sites. Discussions focused on the possible reimposition of international sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, which limited Iran’s enrichment activities in exchange for relief from punitive measures. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who led the Iranian delegation, described the exchange as serious, frank and detailed, noting that both sides came with specific ideas and had agreed to further consultations.