Will Iran’s Window of Opportunity Soon Close?

According to Rokna, citing Al Arabiya, the network reported that today’s negotiations between Iran and the three European countries — the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, known as the European Troika — are being resumed in Geneva, Switzerland, at the level of foreign ministers.

The report added that European countries have repeatedly stated they would activate the “snapback mechanism” to reinstate sanctions if the negotiations [between Iran and the United States] are not resumed. Meanwhile, Tehran has declared that it will not give up its right to enrichment.

Al Arabiya further reported that only hours before the start of these talks, both sides made statements on the matter. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that European threats to activate the snapback mechanism would not be effective.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry also stated that all scenarios are under consideration and that if Europeans insist on this erroneous decision, the situation will completely change. The Ministry further asserted that Europe’s role in the nuclear negotiations has shifted from constructive to destructive.

Al Arabiya added that the European Troika considers these negotiations to be the last opportunity. According to a French diplomat, who spoke to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, this round of negotiations is the “last chance” for Iran before the return of sanctions through the snapback mechanism.

This French diplomat, who is among the participants in today’s Geneva talks, told Al Arabiya that the reinstatement of all sanctions that were lifted from Iran ten years ago does not require the consensus of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. The diplomat further added:
“The window open before Iran will soon close, and nothing now will delay the return of sanctions.”