Think of this like a real-life Netflix cliffhanger: Iran and the E3 trio (France, Britain and Germany) met in Geneva this week, racing to save the 2015 nuclear deal before a UN sanctions "snapback" slams back down. 🎬🇨🇭
Here's why it matters: the deal expires on October 18. If Iran doesn't reopen its sites to UN inspectors and start broader talks (yes, with the United States too), the E3 can trigger snapback – and those sanctions pack a punch. 😬
But there's a twist: the E3 has offered a short extension if Iran shows good faith. As Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi wrote on X, "It is time for the E3 and the UN Security Council to make the right choice and give diplomacy the time and space it needs." 🤝
Still, Western diplomats are suspicious. "We want to see if Iran is credible about an extension or if they're buying time," says one E3 official.
Tensions are high. Iran warned of a "harsh response" if sanctions snap back, after blaming the United States and Israel for bombing its enrichment sites in June. Tehran insists it's not after bombs and says its damaged facilities aren't safe for inspectors. 🏭🚫
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed inspectors are back in Iran for the first time since the attacks, though talks continue over how and when inspections will resume. 🕵️♂️🌐
With the October deadline looming, it's all eyes on Geneva: Can diplomacy score a last-minute victory, or will sanctions snap back and turn up the heat? Stay tuned for the next episode! 🍿🌍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
