ISLAMABAD: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran has put forward a “fair and balanced” proposal to European powers in an effort to block the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
Iran is “introducing a creative, fair, and balanced proposal which addresses genuine concerns and is mutually beneficial,” Araghchi said on X. The proposal was presented on Thursday to Britain, France, Germany — known as the E3 — and the European Union.
“Turning this idea into action can be prompt and resolve the respective bottom lines to avert a crisis,” he added, stressing that “Iran cannot be the sole responsible actor.”
Araghchi’s Public Rebuke of the E3/EU
In a detailed post on X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi voiced frustration over what he described as Europe’s lack of constructive engagement. He said that while Tehran had presented a “reasonable and actionable plan” to the E3 and the European Union to avert an avoidable crisis, the response was a “litany of excuses and outright deflection” — including, he noted, the “farcical claim” that Iran’s foreign ministry does not represent the country’s political establishment.
Araghchi welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron’s acknowledgment that his proposal was “reasonable,” but stressed that the initiative carried the backing of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the state in its entirety. He argued that it was, in fact, the E3/EU diplomatic machinery that appeared “out of commission.”
Reiterating that Iran had already fulfilled its obligations, Araghchi pointed to a new agreement signed with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to strengthen cooperation, even after what he called the “unlawful bombing” of safeguarded nuclear facilities. He said Tehran had also advanced a “creative, fair, and balanced” proposal that addressed legitimate concerns and could quickly resolve sticking points if acted upon.
“There is a way forward,” he concluded, “but Iran cannot be the sole responsible actor.”
Nuclear Deal Under Pressure
The E3 accuse Tehran of failing to uphold commitments under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which lifted sanctions in exchange for strict curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme. The accord has been under severe strain since the United States withdrew in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions.
Iran later scaled back cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, but last week agreed to a new framework to restore inspections after months of heightened tensions. The IAEA has warned that Iran is enriching uranium to 60 percent — far beyond the 3.67 percent cap set by the JCPOA and just short of weapons-grade.
Regional Tensions at a Boiling Point
The diplomatic manoeuvring comes just months after Israel launched unprecedented strikes on Iran in June, hitting nuclear and military sites as well as residential areas and killing more than 1,000 people, according to Iranian officials. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes that killed dozens in Israel, briefly drawing the United States into the conflict before a ceasefire was reached after 12 days of fighting.
With the UN Security Council now preparing to vote on sanctions, Araghchi has made clear that Iran views diplomacy as the only way forward — but insists Tehran will not bear the burden alone.
