Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, has indicated Tehran's willingness to re-engage in nuclear deal negotiations with European powers. In an opinion piece published in The Guardian on September 7, 2025, Araghchi outlined Iran's readiness to accept limitations on its uranium enrichment activities and to permit rigorous international supervision.
In exchange for these concessions, Iran seeks the lifting of international sanctions, which were reimposed following the United States' withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement. Araghchi asserted that the European powers' activation of the "snapback mechanism" to reinstate sanctions lacks a legal basis, particularly given the U.S. departure from the accord. He criticized European nations for aligning with Washington's strategy instead of upholding their commitments and for their silence regarding recent Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The diplomatic overture occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions. European powers—France, the United Kingdom, and Germany (the E3)—had previously initiated the process to reinstate UN sanctions due to Iran's perceived violations, including an increase in its enriched uranium stockpile to levels nearing weapons-grade. As of June 13, 2025, Iran possessed 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, an increase of 32.3 kilograms from May, according to a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report. This material is a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%, with approximately 42 kilograms at 60% enrichment theoretically sufficient for one atomic bomb.
China and Russia have jointly rejected the E3's move to reimpose sanctions, deeming it legally and procedurally flawed. Iran's Foreign Minister, alongside his Chinese and Russian counterparts, stated in a joint letter that the E3's actions "abuse the authority and functions of the UN Security Council."
Meanwhile, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has urged Iran to reach a prompt agreement on resuming nuclear inspections, warning that negotiations cannot continue indefinitely. The IAEA has been without updated information on Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile since Israeli and U.S. airstrikes in June 2025 impacted Iran's nuclear program. While Grossi believes the material is largely still present, he stresses the critical need for verification.
Iran's stated goal of destroying Israel and its assurances to its citizens about developing nuclear weapons present a complex geopolitical landscape. This internal messaging contrasts with the external diplomatic efforts, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Iran's strategic objectives. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether dialogue can prevail over escalating tensions and lead to a verifiable and lasting agreement.