In a tense context and just one week before Donald Trump returns to the White House, Iranian, French, British, and German diplomats met earlier this week near Geneva. Iran’s nuclear programme was on the agenda, but prospects for future progress on this explosive issue remain slim. The discussions – held at a secret location near Geneva – were described as “serious, frank, and constructive” by Iranian, French, British, and German diplomats on Monday evening, following the first of two days of talks. Representatives of these countries had already met in late November in the Swiss city. On Tuesday evening, Iran’s foreign minister added he had “sensed a serious willingness” from France, the United Kingdom, and Germany to resume negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. Both sides had agreed to frame the talks as “consultations” rather than formal “negotiations,” providing an opportunity for Iran and the European powers to address several topics, including the critical issue of Iran’s ...
