Iranian officials are expected to meet with their counterparts from Britain, France and Germany on July 25 in Istanbul to discuss Iran's nuclear program, as Western countries increase pressure on Tehran to reach a deal or face sanctions.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on July 20 that the talks would be held at the level of deputy foreign ministers.
"In response to the demands of European nations, Iran has agreed to hold a new round of negotiations," Baghaei told state television.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi has also confirmed that work is underway to hold the meeting.
These three European countries have warned that if an agreement is not reached with Iran by the end of August, they will reinstate all United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iran, through the so-called "return mechanism."
On July 18, Aragchi called on European powers to stop threats against Tehran, including warnings of the return of sanctions.
Under the 2015 agreement between Tehran and world powers, the latter lifted restrictions on arms sales, the banking sector and nuclear-related technology.
European governments can use the UN mechanism until October 15th.
Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency following US and Israeli bombings of its nuclear facilities a month ago.
The Europeans are pressuring UN nuclear inspectors to restore cooperation with Iran to prevent Tehran from reorganizing its nuclear program after the damage caused by the attacks.
Iran and the US were scheduled to meet in Oslo earlier this month, but the meeting has been postponed, with no new date set.
Although both sides claim to support diplomacy, Iran is seeking guarantees that there will be no further attacks in the future.
US President Donald Trump has signaled that he is interested in a broader agreement, but has warned of new attacks if Iran resumes uranium enrichment to high levels.
A major question mark exists over the location of Iran's enriched uranium - over 60 percent - a figure above the levels needed for civilian use and below the level required for weapons production.
Iran is believed to have about 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to that level./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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