Iran, European powers to hold nuclear talks ahead of Trump return

Iran holds talks with E3 countries on nuclear program, amid concerns over Trump's return and escalating tensions.

Iran is set to hold nuclear talks with France, Britain and Germany on Monday (January 13, 2025), just a week before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

They are the second round of talks over Iran's nuclear programme in less than two months, following a discreet meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, in November between Tehran and the three European powers, known as the E3.

"These are not negotiations," the German foreign ministry told AFP. Iran has similarly emphasised that the talks are merely "consultations".

The meeting is a sign that the E3 countries "are continuing to work towards a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear program, the progress of which is extremely problematic," the French foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Monday's meeting comes as Iran's nuclear programme received renewed focus in light of Trump's imminent return to the White House on January 20.

During his first term, Mr.Trump had pursued a policy of "maximum pressure", withdrawing the U.S. from a landmark nuclear deal which imposed curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.

Tehran adhered to the deal until Washington's withdrawal, but then began rolling back its commitments.