European powers appeal for de-escalation amid growing nuclear tensions
The foreign ministers of France, Germany and the United Kingdom have issued a firm joint plea to Iran, calling for an immediate return to full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
This collective call, made public on Monday, follows Tehran’s decision to dismantle surveillance cameras from several nuclear facilities.
Iranian authorities claimed the move was in response to Israel allegedly gaining access to “sensitive facility data,” as reported by media outlets over the weekend.
Furthermore, Iran has denied IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi permission to inspect these sites. Under the 2015 nuclear agreement, Iran had agreed to grant the IAEA full access to monitor its nuclear activities.
However, since the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the deal in 2018, under then-President Donald Trump, Tehran has progressively scaled back its compliance.
Tensions have further intensified following a series of Israeli and American airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear installations.
In their joint statement, the European trio implored Iranian officials to halt any further restrictions on the IAEA and to guarantee the safety and access rights of its personnel.
The statement reads: “Iran should immediately resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
The three nations also expressed alarm over personal threats directed at IAEA chief Rafael Grossi. Iran’s hard-line Kayhan newspaper recently accused Grossi of being an Israeli agent and controversially called for his execution. Iran’s representative at the United Nations responded, insisting that Grossi faces no threat from the Iranian government.
Recent hostilities have included Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, which prompted retaliatory attacks from Iran. Despite European leaders’ attempts to mediate and encourage diplomatic dialogue, their efforts were sidelined.
The Trump administration opted for military engagement, dismissing calls for a peaceful resolution. Though a fragile ceasefire now holds between Israel and Iran, discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain stalled.
Over the weekend, Rafael Grossi warned that Iran could resume uranium enrichment within “a matter of months,” raising further international concern.
The international community now waits to see whether Iran will respond to Europe’s call or further isolate itself amid rising geopolitical tension.