E3 offer Iran immediate nuclear talks while backing 'Israel'
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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul claims Germany, France, and Britain are ready for immediate negotiations with Iran on its nuclear program to help de-escalate tensions.
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The flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency flies in front of its headquarters during an IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023 (AP)
As Iran faced a wave of attacks launched by "Israel", the European trio, Germany, France, and Britain (E3), largely focused their statements on condemning Iran and upholding "Israel's" right to self-defense. Although the strikes originated from "Israel", the E3 refrained from criticizing the offensive, instead stressing the need for de-escalation and renewed diplomacy.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz further admitted that Berlin was informed of the attack on Tehran ahead of time, while France's Macron confirmed Paris's readiness to "defend Israel". Meanwhile, the UK is sending additional fighter jets and support aircraft to the Middle East as part of what Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as "contingency support" for the region.
Read more: Western hypocrisy: 'Israel' bombs Iran, Tehran told not to retaliate
E3 calls for Iran nuclear talks
Given the E3's stance that frames Iran as the aggressor despite being under Israeli attack, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that Germany, France, and Britain are prepared to initiate immediate negotiations with Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear program. The move aims to reduce growing tensions in the Middle East.
Wadephul, currently on a visit to the region, emphasized that the objective is to contribute to the de-escalation of the war between "Israel" and Iran. He claimed that Tehran had previously missed opportunities to engage in constructive dialogue but expressed hope that this time would be different.
"I hope that's still possible," Wadephul told German public broadcaster ARD on Saturday evening. "Germany, together with France and Britain, are ready. We're offering Iran immediate negotiations about the nuclear programme, I hope (the offer) is accepted."
Wadephul highlighted that successful negotiations could serve as a crucial step toward pacifying the broader conflict. "This is also a key prerequisite for reaching a pacification of this conflict, that Iran presents no danger to the region, for the state of Israel or to Europe," he said.
It is worth noting that the US and E3 pushed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to formally declare Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations at the upcoming quarterly Board of Governors meeting set for June 9, according to diplomatic sources.
Read more: Iran denounces Western pressure on IAEA, vows response to resolution
