Ankara: Iran and the European trio - the UK, France, and Germany - have agreed in principle to resume nuclear negotiations next week, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported on Sunday. Citing a source, the media organization mentioned that both sides have agreed to restart talks, but the time and place of the negotiations are yet to be finalized.

According to Anadolu Agency, the top diplomats of the UK, France, Germany, and the EU emphasized the urgency of returning to diplomacy for a nuclear deal in their discussions with Iran's foreign minister on Thursday. They warned that failure to return to negotiations could lead to the triggering of the UN "snapback" mechanism, which involves the reimposition of international sanctions.

Earlier negotiations between Tehran and the US were conducted through Omani mediators until an unexpected attack by Israel on June 13, which led to a 12-day conflict. This attack occurred just two days before a planned sixth round of talks in Muscat. Iran accused the US of complicity in the Israeli assault, which resulted in the deaths of top Iranian military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Additionally, the US launched strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites, claiming their obliteration. A ceasefire was reached on June 24.

While the US and European nations assert that Iran should never acquire a nuclear bomb, Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for the peaceful use of nuclear power. Following discussions with the E3 and the EU, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US was the party that withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, and any new round of talks would only be possible when the other side is ready for a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement.

Araghchi also pointed out that if the EU and E3 desire a role in the negotiations, they should act responsibly and abandon outdated policies of threat and pressure, including the "snap-back" mechanism, which he claimed lacks any moral and legal justification.