Renewed Push for Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Tensions

Iran, alongside three European nations, is set to resume nuclear discussions on January 13 in Geneva. These talks follow previous discussions that took place in November 2024. Despite allegations by a European-backed resolution regarding insufficient cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, Iran maintains its nuclear ambitions are purely peaceful.

Iran, along with key European countries, is poised to recommence negotiations over its nuclear program on January 13 in Geneva, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. This move follows sessions in November 2024 with Britain, France, and Germany amid heightened tensions regarding nuclear developments.

Recent discussions marked the first interaction since the U.S. elections and occurred against the backdrop of Tehran's dissatisfaction with a European-backed resolution, which criticized Iran's cooperation levels with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. In response, Iran signaled its intent to bolster its nuclear infrastructure significantly.

As described by U.N. nuclear chief Rafael Grossi, Iran's uranium enrichment is rapidly approaching weapon-grade levels, though Tehran insists its nuclear endeavors have peaceful intentions. Past U.S. administration actions, including withdrawal from the 2015 deal and sanction enactments, have strained bilateral agreements, with recent indirect talks proving ineffective.

(With inputs from agencies.)