Iran and Europe in Talks to De-escalate Middle East Conflict

Geneva, Jun 20 (AP) Iran's Foreign Minister is set to meet with top European diplomats in Geneva on Friday. The aim is to explore a diplomatic resolution to the recent military conflict that has involved Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, with Tehran retaliating in kind. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, along with his French and German counterparts and the European Union's foreign policy chief, is scheduled to meet Iran's Abbas Araghchi. Lammy stated that there is a "window within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution." This meeting marks the first face-to-face interaction between Western and Iranian officials since the conflict began. Lammy heads to Geneva following discussions in Washington with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump's Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff. President Trump is currently contemplating a strike on Iran's well-fortified Fordo uranium enrichment facility, known for being protected by a mountain. It's believed that only America's "bunker-buster" bombs could reach it. He announced on Wednesday that a decision regarding US military involvement will be made within two weeks, citing a "substantial chance" for renewing negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. "Now is the time to put a stop to the grave scenes in the Middle East and prevent a regional escalation that would benefit no one," Lammy emphasized. Israel's airstrikes were launched last week with the goal of preventing Iran from advancing towards the capability of building a nuclear weapon. Iran and the US had been exploring a new diplomatic agreement regarding Tehran's program, but Trump indicated that Israel's actions followed a 60-day negotiation window that he had defined. Iran's supreme leader dismissed US demands for submission on Wednesday and cautioned that American military involvement would result in "irreparable damage." Iran maintains its nuclear intentions are peaceful, although it remains the only non-nuclear-armed nation to enrich uranium to 60 percent, a technical step short of the 90 percent needed for weapons-grade material. The E3 group—Britain, France, and Germany— were instrumental in the 2015 nuclear deal talks with Iran. However, they have frequently threatened to reinstate sanctions, previously lifted under the deal, if Iran fails to improve its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Germany's foreign minister recognized that longstanding efforts to address concerns about Iran's potential nuclear weapon development haven't been fruitful. However, he noted the importance of dialogue. Johann Wadephul, during a podcast with MDR, emphasized their commitment to dissuade Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons. "If there is serious and transparent readiness by Iran to refrain from this, then there is a real chance of preventing further escalation," he stated. Wadephul affirmed that US officials are aware of and support these discussions, urging Iran to engage seriously. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had a conversation with Rubio on Thursday night. A French official, speaking anonymously, explained that Barrot briefed Rubio on the Geneva meeting's objectives. Rubio reassured that the US is prepared for direct negotiations with Iran at any time. (AP) NPK NPK

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