Iraq, Iran discuss outcome of nuclear negotiations with EU Troika

By Laith Al-jnaidi and Rania Abu Shamala

BAGHDAD / ISTANBUL (AA) - Iraq and Iran held talks on Wednesday to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations, and the outcome of Tehran’s negotiations with the European Troika over the Iranian nuclear program.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussei reviewed in Baghdad with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh the current regional and international developments, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Hussein affirmed Iraq’s keenness “to support dialogue and understanding in a manner that contributes to enhancing security and stability at the regional and international levels,” the statement said.

Khatibzadeh, for his part, highlighted the impact of recent Israeli attacks on Iran on security and military conditions and Tehran’s international relations, the ministry said, without elaborating.

Last week, the UK, France and Germany formally notified the UN Security Council that they were invoking the “snapback” mechanism under Resolution 2231 to reimpose sanctions on Iran, accusing Tehran of “significant non-performance” of its nuclear obligations.

The move triggered a 30-day period during which previously lifted UN sanctions could be reimposed on Tehran unless the council decides otherwise.

The European move followed Israeli attacks on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian sites in June. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes, while the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. The 12-day conflict came to a halt under a US-sponsored ceasefire that took effect on June 24.

The US unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, a step that Tehran says prompted its own reduction of commitments under the agreement.