Iranian officials have denied recent state media reports claiming that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was scheduled to meet representatives from Britain, France, and Germany in Vienna, against the backdrop of mounting pressure over Iran’s nuclear programme. The development comes as renewed sanctions against Tehran remain a point of contention between Iran and Western powers.

CONFLICTING REPORTS ON VIENNA MEETING

State-affiliated Nournews initially suggested that talks involving Iran and European officials were expected in Vienna, though it provided no date or further details. However, a spokesperson from the Iranian Foreign Ministry told Reuters this was inaccurate, stating that Araqchi was set to travel to New York instead. “Nournews had reported the talks, without giving a date.” Additionally, “an Iranian Foreign Ministry official told Reuters that it was not the case, with Araqchi heading to New York, not Vienna.”

Iranian and European ministers held talks last week to prevent the reimposition of international sanctions. According to diplomats, “In a bid to avert the reimposition of sanctions on Tehran, Iranian and European ministers engaged in discussions last week but they did not yield breakthroughs, diplomats said.” These failed negotiations highlight the persistent challenges in resolving disagreements over Iran’s nuclear activities and compliance with international expectations.

EUROPEAN NATIONS ACTIVATE SANCTIONS PROCESS

Britain, France, and Germany have recently initiated a 30-day process, beginning at the end of August, that could see United Nations sanctions reimposed on Iran. This move is contingent on Iran’s actions throughout September, with European leaders setting conditions that Tehran must meet to delay activation of the so-called “snapback mechanism”.

ONGOING CONCERNS OVER IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS

The status of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves has been unclear since June, following a series of bombings at its nuclear sites by Israel and the United States. Western governments argue that Iran’s nuclear programme exceeds civilian requirements: “The West says the advancement of Iran’s nuclear programme goes beyond civilian needs, while Tehran says it wants nuclear energy only for peaceful purposes.” Tehran maintains its position that its nuclear activities are intended exclusively for peaceful objectives.

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