The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are set to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva this Friday (June 20, 2025) in a critical effort to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
A German diplomatic source confirmed to Reuters that the European ministers will first hold internal consultations with European Union (EU) foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas at Germany’s permanent mission before a joint session with Araghchi.
The scheduled talks, coordinated with the United States (U.S.), aim to secure firm assurances that Iran’s nuclear program remains strictly for civilian use amid growing global concern over potential militarization.
This diplomatic push follows Israel’s military strikes on Iran last week and Tehran’s missile retaliation — an escalation that has further inflamed regional tensions.
U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to clarify whether Washington will support Israel militarily, prompting urgent international calls for de-escalation.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced strong backing for Israel, warning Tehran of severe consequences unless it de-escalates.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul appealed to Iranian leaders to return to dialogue, saying, “It’s never too late to come to the negotiating table.”
On social media, Araghchi defended Iran’s response as self-defense and reiterated the country’s stance: “We have never sought and will never seek nuclear weapons,” while affirming openness to diplomacy, except with Israeli officials.
This meeting marks the first high-level diplomatic engagement between Europe and Iran since the latest hostilities erupted.
Diplomats hope the talks will pave the way for renewed transparency on Iran’s nuclear activities and regional stability.
The talks come as part of renewed European efforts to save what remains of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which has been under strain since the U.S. withdrew in 2018. | via Kim Plagata, Contributor