British FM says 'window now exists' for diplomacy with Iran
On the eve of European talks with Iran over its nuclear program, Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Thursday after meeting high-level US officials that there is still time to reach a diplomatic solution with Tehran.
WASHINGTON: On the eve of European talks with Iran over its nuclear program, Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated on Thursday that there is still an opportunity for a diplomatic resolution with Tehran.
This statement came after he met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House.
The discussions were held in anticipation of talks scheduled for Friday in Geneva, where Lammy would meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi alongside his French, German, and EU counterparts.
The diplomatic efforts come as European countries urge de-escalation amid Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran’s nuclear program.
Additionally, US President Donald Trump is contemplating whether to join strikes against Tehran.
In response, Lammy emphasized that the Middle East situation remains precarious.
He noted that discussions focused on Iran needing to reach a deal to avoid further conflict, emphasizing that there is currently a window of opportunity within the next two weeks for achieving a diplomatic solution.
Lammy further stated his intention to travel to Geneva to meet with Araghchi and other European delegates, including French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The aim of these talks is to prevent a regional escalation that could benefit no one.
The State Department concurred with Lammy on the need for Iran to refrain from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.
Araghchi confirmed his participation in meetings with the European delegation in Geneva scheduled for Friday, as reported by the Iranian state news agency IRNA.
France, Germany, Britain, and the European Union were original signatories of the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, which was renounced by Trump during his tenure.
The EU’s Kallas has continued to advocate for diplomacy as the most effective means to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear capability.
On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that European nations plan to propose a negotiated solution to end the conflict between Iran and Israel.
He tasked his foreign minister with developing an initiative in coordination with close partners.
French Foreign Minister Barrot has maintained regular communication with his German and British counterparts since Israel initiated its air strikes against Iran on Friday.
Barrot expressed readiness for negotiations aimed at achieving a long-term rollback of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs from the European delegation.
Israel asserts that its military campaign is designed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Prior to this escalation, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60%, exceeding the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 agreement with international powers but remaining short of the 90% threshold necessary for a nuclear warhead.
Iran maintains that it does not intend to develop nuclear weapons.
This statement came after he met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House.
The discussions were held in anticipation of talks scheduled for Friday in Geneva, where Lammy would meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi alongside his French, German, and EU counterparts.
The diplomatic efforts come as European countries urge de-escalation amid Israel’s bombing campaign against Iran’s nuclear program.
Additionally, US President Donald Trump is contemplating whether to join strikes against Tehran.
In response, Lammy emphasized that the Middle East situation remains precarious.
He noted that discussions focused on Iran needing to reach a deal to avoid further conflict, emphasizing that there is currently a window of opportunity within the next two weeks for achieving a diplomatic solution.
Lammy further stated his intention to travel to Geneva to meet with Araghchi and other European delegates, including French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The aim of these talks is to prevent a regional escalation that could benefit no one.
The State Department concurred with Lammy on the need for Iran to refrain from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.
Araghchi confirmed his participation in meetings with the European delegation in Geneva scheduled for Friday, as reported by the Iranian state news agency IRNA.
France, Germany, Britain, and the European Union were original signatories of the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, which was renounced by Trump during his tenure.
The EU’s Kallas has continued to advocate for diplomacy as the most effective means to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear capability.
On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that European nations plan to propose a negotiated solution to end the conflict between Iran and Israel.
He tasked his foreign minister with developing an initiative in coordination with close partners.
French Foreign Minister Barrot has maintained regular communication with his German and British counterparts since Israel initiated its air strikes against Iran on Friday.
Barrot expressed readiness for negotiations aimed at achieving a long-term rollback of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs from the European delegation.
Israel asserts that its military campaign is designed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Prior to this escalation, Iran had been enriching uranium to 60%, exceeding the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 agreement with international powers but remaining short of the 90% threshold necessary for a nuclear warhead.
Iran maintains that it does not intend to develop nuclear weapons.
