Iran Reaffirms Right to Self-Defense in High-Level Nuclear Talks with EU and E3 Nations
Geneva, June 21— Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated Iran’s staunch adherence to its legitimate right to self-defense during a high-stakes meeting with top diplomats from Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the European Union in Geneva. The nearly three-and-a-half-hour session marked the first high-level encounter since tensions escalated between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
The meeting, held at the United Nations’ European headquarters, brought together Araghchi and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, along with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The discussions primarily revolved around the fate of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran: “No Negotiation Under Aggression”
Following the meeting, Araghchi told reporters that Iran would not enter negotiations with any party as long as Israel continues its military aggression.
“Iran will continue to exercise its legitimate right to self-defense,” he said firmly. “As long as the Israeli regime persists in its crimes against the Iranian people, we see no basis for negotiation.”
He criticized what he described as the international community’s “deafening silence” over Israel’s actions, stressing Iran’s frustration at the lack of global condemnation.
Araghchi underscored that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and is closely monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He added that Tehran is open to maintaining dialogue with the EU and E3 countries and is prepared for further rounds of talks in the near future.
UN Human Rights Council Speech: Call to Action
Earlier in the day, Araghchi addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council, where he made a strong appeal for global accountability.
“The world must act to stop the aggressor, end impunity, and hold criminals responsible for endless atrocities in our region,” he declared, referencing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Araghchi, a seasoned diplomat and veteran of the Iran-Iraq War, emphasized that while Iran favors diplomacy, it will not hesitate to defend its territorial integrity and national sovereignty.
Tensions Mount as JCPOA Hangs in the Balance
The Geneva talks were convened at the request of the E3 powers—Germany, France, and the UK—amid fears that the nuclear agreement is on the brink of collapse following years of deadlock and recent military escalations between Iran and Israel.
European diplomats have expressed cautious optimism about the resumption of dialogue, but concerns remain over Iran’s uranium enrichment and the lack of trust between Tehran and Western powers.
The Geneva meeting underscored the urgency and fragility of diplomacy in preventing further escalation, as the Middle East teeters on the verge of broader conflict.
Despite the current impasse, all parties agreed to reconvene in the near future, keeping the door open for continued engagement—provided regional hostilities can be de-escalated.