Talks between the United States and Iran over the nuclear programme entered a critical overnight session in Vienna on Tuesday, as British diplomats issued a statement urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid provocative actions. The intensified negotiations come after months of stalled diplomacy and rising tensions in the Persian Gulf.
British Foreign Office sources confirmed that the UK had been closely monitoring the discussions, which aim to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The agreement was abandoned by the previous US administration in 2018, prompting Iran to accelerate its enrichment of uranium beyond the limits set by the deal.
The current US administration has expressed a willingness to re-engage diplomatically, but has insisted that Iran must first return to compliance. Iran has demanded the lifting of all sanctions imposed since 2018 as a precondition.
European officials have described the talks as “the most significant opportunity for progress in months”, but warned that the window for a negotiated settlement is narrowing. The overnight session is understood to be focused on the sequence of steps required for mutual compliance.
Analysts say the outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts. The UK has traditionally played a mediating role, using its diplomatic channels to bridge gaps between Washington and Tehran.
No official statement has been issued by either the US or Iranian delegations since the session commenced. The talks are expected to continue into Wednesday morning Vienna time.