TEHRAN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced on Thursday his readiness to travel to major European capitals to resolve ongoing tensions between Tehran and the so-called E3 group -- France, Britain, and Germany.
In a post on the social media platform X, Araghchi described relations with the E3 as being at a historic low, warning that the current state of affairs represents a "lose-lose" scenario for all parties. He emphasized the need for renewed diplomatic engagement, saying, "I once again propose diplomacy."
Following recent consultations in Moscow and Beijing, Araghchi stated he is prepared to take the initiative by visiting Paris, Berlin, and London. "The ball is now in the E3's court," he said, urging European leaders to "break free from the influence of Special Interest groups and pursue a different path."
Araghchi recalled that a previous offer of dialogue was extended during meetings with his European counterparts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September. That proposal, he noted, was rejected.
The foreign minister also criticized the E3 for continuing to invoke the threat of the "snapback" mechanism -- a clause in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that allows for the automatic reimposition of international sanctions should Iran be found in breach of its commitments.
Signed by Iran and six world powers -- China, the United States, Russia, and the E3 -- the JCPOA has been under pressure since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018, prompting Tehran to scale back its compliance.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington have resumed, with two rounds of talks mediated by Oman. The first took place in Muscat on April 12, followed by a second round in Italy last Saturday. A third round is scheduled for this coming Saturday in Oman. ■
