Iran halts nuclear talks with the ‘E3’ group

Iran will no longer hold negotiations on its nuclear programme with the “E3” group of Britain, Germany and France, Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said, according to TASS.

He said the decision comes as European states move toward reinstating UN Security Council sanctions against Tehran. Khatibzadeh added that Iran views talks with the United States and with the E3 as two separate tracks.

“Relations with European countries continue, but we will not discuss the nuclear issue — especially since Germany is not a member of the UN Security Council,” he said.

On September 26, the UN Security Council rejected a resolution sponsored by Russia and China to extend the delay in restoring sanctions. On October 1, the United States imposed sanctions on 44 individuals and entities linked to Iran’s nuclear programme and weapons procurement.

N.Tebrizli