Iran Talks With Europeans Set for Friday; White House Sees ‘Substantial Chance’ for Renewed Negotiations
Amid rising tensions, the U.S. is open to renewed negotiations with Iran, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noting a significant possibility of diplomatic talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to meet European leaders in Geneva, as concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and calls for prohibiting uranium enrichment persist. Key European figures will participate in discussions aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Tensions continue to escalate as the focus turns toward renewed negotiations with Iran. Following speculation about a potential U.S. military strike in support of Israel, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that there is a “substantial chance” for new talks. This statement comes just before Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s scheduled meeting with European leaders in Geneva on Friday.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Leavitt confirmed that U.S. and Iranian officials have engaged in six rounds of negotiations amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel, which erupted on June 13. Speculation arises around whether U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will attend the Geneva meetings. When pressed about whether this means Iranian officials could come to the White House for negotiations, Leavitt refrained from discussing possibilities, simply reiterating President Trump’s offer.
Leavitt conveyed that Trump might make a decision regarding direct U.S. involvement in the conflict within two weeks, based on the progress of negotiations with Iran. The President hopes for a diplomatic resolution but has made it clear that any agreement must prohibit uranium enrichment, an issue Trump has long opposed. Leavitt underscored the seriousness of the threat Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose, stating, “Iran has never been closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon.”
Claiming that Iran possesses everything required to build a nuclear weapon, Leavitt cautioned that a decision from Iran’s Supreme Leader could lead to rapid weapon production, labelled as a significant risk not just for Israel but for the U.S. and the globe. However, she was adamant that Iran should not be capable of progressing towards this goal, asserting that the recent proposal from Witkoff was both realistic and favorable for all parties involved.
Leavitt reiterated that Iran is in a precarious position due to ongoing Israeli attacks and encouraged negotiations to avoid severe repercussions. According to reports from French outlet RFI, the Geneva talks are expected to include key European figures, such as French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy. They remain committed to addressing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs comprehensively.
In related news, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Lammy, emphasizing that both nations agree Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. The White House has consistently referred inquiries about Iran negotiations back to Leavitt’s earlier announcements in the press briefing.
As the international community braces for negotiations in Geneva, tensions remain high. With the U.S. emphasizing the necessity of prohibiting uranium enrichment, and Iran facing pressure from ongoing military actions, the outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications. The U.S. holds a tightened stance, while key European nations are stepping forward to broker a diplomatic path forward.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
