G7 Calls for Nuclear Talks as Iran Sets Conditions for Return to the Table

1st July 2025

3 minutes read

G7 Calls for Nuclear Talks as Iran Sets Conditions for Return to the Table

Following weeks of military confrontation between Israel and Iran, the G7 nations have called for the resumption of nuclear negotiations with Tehran.

In a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers said that the move aims to contain the consequences of the conflict and prevent further escalation.

Four Key Issues on the G7 Agenda

The G7’s statement went beyond merely calling for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Iran. It clearly outlined four key priorities:

Resuming nuclear negotiations
Ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program
Warning against regional destabilization
Condemning threats against the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

“We call for a resumption of negotiations leading to a comprehensive, verifiable, and durable agreement addressing Iran’s nuclear program,” the statement read, as attention turns to Washington and Tehran following the most serious escalation since the 2015 nuclear deal.

Washington: Talks Show “Promise”

Alongside the G7’s call, U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, stated that discussions between Washington and Tehran are showing “promising signs,” noting the Trump administration’s desire to reach a long-term deal to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon.

Iran Draws Its Red Lines

Iran’s response was swift and firm. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS News: “I don’t think negotiations will resume that quickly,” adding that “resuming talks is conditional on U.S. guarantees that no new military strikes will be carried out during negotiations.”

Araghchi stressed that Iran “needs time” but is not closing the door to diplomacy. He argued that “enrichment technology cannot be destroyed by bombing” and that Iran could quickly repair any damage if there is political will.

Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, speaking to the BBC, reiterated that Iran “will not return to talks” without clear U.S. assurances against further attacks. He criticized Washington’s demand for “zero enrichment” as the price for peace, calling it “the law of the jungle.”

Strikes and Retaliation

On June 13, Israel launched a surprise military operation targeting nuclear and military facilities inside Iran, aiming to prevent Tehran from reaching the nuclear threshold. Iran responded by attacking a U.S. base in Qatar. Washington later carried out calculated strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites.

On June 24, President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran but warned that strikes would resume if Iran resumed uranium enrichment for military purposes.

Tensions with the IAEA

Tensions between Iran and the IAEA also escalated after a hardline Iranian newspaper published an article calling for the “trial and execution” of Director General Rafael Grossi over his recent statements on Iran’s enrichment capabilities.

The G7 foreign ministers swiftly condemned threats against Grossi, signaling that Iran’s nuclear file is now closely tied to its future cooperation with international institutions.

The nuclear issue remains central: Iran is currently enriching uranium to 60%, the highest level ever reached by a non-nuclear state under IAEA standards. Producing a nuclear warhead requires enrichment at 90%.