BERLIN: The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are scheduled to meet with Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva on Friday for discussions centered on Iran’s nuclear program, according to a German diplomatic source cited by Reuters.
The talks will begin with a meeting between the three European ministers and the European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, at Germany’s permanent mission in Geneva. This will be followed by a joint session with Iran’s foreign minister, Reuters stated.
This European diplomatic effort comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East following last week’s military escalation between Israel and Iran. Israel launched major strikes on Iranian targets, prompting Iran to retaliate with waves of missile attacks on Israel, it added.
While U.S. President Donald Trump has refrained from commenting on whether the U.S. will support Israel’s military operations, the uncertainty has heightened concerns that the conflict may escalate further.
According to the German source, the goal of the Geneva talks, which are being held in coordination with the United States, is to secure a firm commitment from Iran that its nuclear activities will remain strictly for peaceful, civilian purposes. The initial discussions are expected to lead to more technical, expert-level talks.
Israel maintains that its objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring the capability to produce nuclear weapons—a claim Tehran rejects, insisting its nuclear programme is entirely civilian.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sparked controversy in Tehran this week by voicing support for Israel’s actions and warning Iran to de-escalate or risk facing harsher consequences.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also urged Iran on Wednesday to return to negotiations and provide concrete assurances regarding its nuclear ambitions, stating: “It’s never too late to come to the negotiating table.”
(With inputs from Reuters)
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