Iran, European powers to hold last-ditch talks on averting restored nuclear sanctions

UNITED NATIONS — Iran and European powers are engaged in last-ditch talks to prevent the revival of UN sanctions on Tehran, two senior Iranian officials and two Western diplomats tell Reuters, though all warn the chances of success remain slim.

The sources say foreign ministers of Iran, Britain, France, and Germany will meet on Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss Iran’s disputed nuclear ambitions amid looming threats of sanctions.

Britain, France, and Germany, known as the E3, launched a 30-day process on August 28 to reimpose UN sanctions, accusing Tehran of failing to abide by a 2015 deal with world powers aimed at preventing it from developing a nuclear weapon.

Tehran has long said its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

“Iran has been in contact with E3/EU officials and (the U.N. nuclear chief Rafael) Grossi since this morning at UN Different ideas have been raised and discussed,” a senior Iranian official says.

“Iranian top diplomat will meet with the E3 foreign ministers and EU foreign policy chief (Kaja) Kallas tomorrow and will continue the discussions.”

Another senior Iranian official says: “Everyone seems to be trying” to resolve the nuclear dispute. Two European diplomats confirm the meeting on Tuesday.

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