EU Urges Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Tensions with Israel

European foreign ministers urged Iran on Monday to resume nuclear negotiations with the U.S. and avoid further escalation with Israel. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded that Tehran’s current priority is confronting Israeli aggression.

This follows Israel’s launch of Operation Rising Lion on Friday, targeting Iranian nuclear sites just days before U.S.-Iran talks were scheduled to resume. Israel described the action as a preemptive strike to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons—an accusation Tehran denies. Iran has since retaliated with missile strikes.

France, Britain, and Germany—the E3—are signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal, which limited Iran’s nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief. The E3 recently supported an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution declaring Iran in breach of non-proliferation commitments. European officials warned that Iran could face referral to the UN Security Council this summer if talks remain stalled.

The E3 ministers urged Iran to return to the table “without preconditions,” warning against further provocations. Araqchi insisted Iran has not abandoned diplomacy but emphasized that its focus is now on countering military threats.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio before the E3 call, and messages were sent to Israel urging restraint regarding Iranian leadership and civilians.

Frustration has grown within the E3 over the U.S. negotiation strategy, particularly following a hardline proposal from the Trump administration in May. Although only the E3 can activate the UN sanctions "snapback" mechanism before the 2015 deal’s October expiration, their current course remains uncertain.

A U.S. source stated Washington sees itself as the primary actor in ending the Israel-Iran conflict and welcomes global involvement as long as it aligns with U.S. and Israeli objectives.