Europe Urges Iran to Commit to Peaceful Nuclear Program Amid Escalating Tensions

European foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Britain are set to meet with Iran’s foreign minister on Friday in Geneva to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, according to a German diplomatic source. The talks, coordinated with the United States, aim to secure firm assurances from Iran that its nuclear efforts remain solely for civilian use.

The ministers will first convene with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas at Germany’s permanent mission before holding a joint session with the Iranian delegation. The meeting follows heightened Middle East tensions after Israel launched widespread airstrikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli targets.

U.S. President Donald Trump has so far remained noncommittal on whether the U.S. will join Israel’s military efforts, raising global concerns about a broader regional conflict. The European-led dialogue seeks to de-escalate the crisis by focusing on nuclear non-proliferation and fostering structured expert-level negotiations in the coming weeks.

Israel has consistently asserted its objective to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies, insisting its nuclear ambitions are peaceful. The urgency of the talks reflects fears of a spiraling conflict that could destabilize the entire region.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced strong support for Israel’s military action and warned Iran to de-escalate or risk greater consequences. His remarks drew criticism from Tehran but reinforced Europe’s firm stance.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Iranian leaders to return to diplomacy, stating, “It’s never too late to come to the negotiating table.”

The Geneva talks represent a critical diplomatic push to ease tensions and redirect focus toward peaceful nuclear cooperation, with hopes of avoiding further escalation in the volatile Middle East.