Abbas Araghchi, senior Iranian diplomat and former deputy foreign minister, announced that he presented a comprehensive and actionable plan on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran to representatives of the E3/EU, aiming to prevent what he described as an “unnecessary and avoidable crisis.”

The proposal, which was introduced in recent discussions, was characterized as creative, fair, and balanced. According to Araghchi, the plan is designed to address genuine concerns from all sides and offers a mutually beneficial path forward within the framework of Iran's nuclear diplomacy.

Frustration with E3/EU response

Despite the proactive nature of the proposal, Araghchi expressed disappointment with how the E3/EU counterparts responded. Rather than engaging with the substance of Iran’s plan, he said Tehran was met with a “litany of excuses and outright deflection.” Among the justifications cited by European diplomats was the claim that Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not represent the full political establishment, an assertion Araghchi dismissed as farcical.

Araghchi emphasized that the initiative had full backing from within the country. “I have the full support of the entirety of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including my country's Supreme National Security Council,” he stated.

He noted that French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the proposal’s reasonableness, but added that such acknowledgment must be accompanied by decisive diplomatic action from European partners.

Call for UN Security Council involvement

Amid what he described as a failure of the E3/EU diplomatic apparatus, Araghchi called on the UN Security Council to step in. “It is now high time for the UN Security Council to intervene and choose diplomacy over confrontation,” he urged, warning that "the stakes could not be higher."

Outlining steps Iran has already taken, Araghchi highlighted a newly signed agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which he described as opening a “new chapter of cooperation.” This move comes despite what Iran maintains was the unlawful bombing of safeguarded nuclear facilities, a clear reference to attacks widely attributed to "Israel".

He reiterated that Iran has acted in line with both its domestic and international obligations and stressed that turning the current diplomatic proposal into action could immediately de-escalate tensions.

“There is a way forward,” Araghchi concluded, “but Iran cannot be the sole responsible actor.”

On behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I yesterday presented a reasonable and actionable plan to E3/EU counterparts to avert an unnecessary and avoidable crisis in the coming days.

Instead of being met with engagement on the substance of this plan, Iran is now faced with a…

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) September 18, 2025