Europe and Iran Face Off in High-Stakes Nuclear Talks as Sanctions Threaten to Return

European powers—France, Germany, and the UK—are meeting with Iran in Istanbul for urgent talks aimed at breaking the deadlock over Iran's nuclear program.

The talks come as Europe threatens to reimpose UN sanctions ('snapback') unless Iran agrees to new limits, with an August deadline looming. Iran has warned it may withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and reduce regional security cooperation if sanctions are reinstated. Meanwhile, Iran is seeking support from Russia and China to counter Western pressure.

Expectations for a breakthrough are low, but both sides are under pressure to avoid escalating the crisis.