US, E3 hold high-level coordination ahead of Geneva talks with Iran
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The US and European Troika coordinate ahead of Geneva talks with Iran's FM Araghchi, amid tensions over Tehran's missile program and Washington’s offer for direct contact.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio waves to employees upon arriving at the State Department in Washington, on January 21, 2025. (AFP)
Sources told Al Mayadeen on Friday that the United States is holding high-level coordination with the European Troika, France, Germany, and Britain, ahead of the anticipated Geneva meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to the sources, in the past 24 hours, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held calls with his counterparts in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as with EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.
French diplomatic sources indicated that Rubio and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized what they described as “the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programs to Israel, the region, and Europe.”
Rubio reportedly expressed Washington’s readiness for direct communication with Iran at any time.
E3 offer Iran immediate nuclear talks while backing 'Israel'
As Iran faced a wave of attacks launched by "Israel", the European trio 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.
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, a move reportedly made to reduce growing tensions in the region.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that talks with the US will not be revived as long as the aggression on Iran persists.
Read more: Ignoring intel: How US lawmakers are distorting Iran’s nuclear reality
