Iran does not plan to immediately resume nuclear talks with European nations after they reimposed sanctions, the foreign ministry said on Monday.
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Britain, France and Germany, signatories to Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, reimposed sanctions on September 28, triggering the return of UN sanctions under the so-called snapback mechanism.
“We have no plans for negotiations at this stage,” ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding that Iran was examining the “consequences and implications” of the restart of sanctions initiated by the three European countries known as the E3.
“Of course, diplomacy – in the sense of maintaining contacts and consultations – will continue,” Baqaei said.
“Whenever we feel that diplomacy can be effective, we will certainly make decisions based on the country’s interests and priorities,” he added.
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Western countries, spearheaded by the United States and joined by Israel, accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons and define uranium enrichment as a red line.
Iran categorically rejects the accusations, insisting its nuclear programme is solely for civilian purposes and that it has a right to enrichment under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.