German-France-England Foreign Minister Reportedly Will Meet Iran Representatives To Discuss Nuclear In Geneva

JAKARTA - Foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Britain plan to hold nuclear negotiations with their Iran partners on Friday in Geneva.

This information was conveyed by a German diplomatic source to Reuters.

The ministers will first meet with the European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, on Germany's permanent mission in Geneva before holding a joint meeting with Iran's foreign minister, the source said.

The European pre-occurrence comes amid fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East after Israel launched a massive military offensive against its arch-enemy, Iran, last week. Iran retaliated by sending a wave of missiles to Israeli targets.

President Donald Trump declined to say whether the United States would join its Israeli allies in a military campaign, sparking fears the crisis could escalate.

The purpose of the talks between Iran and Europe, which German sources say is in coordination with the United States, is to persuade Iran to firmly guarantee they will use its nuclear program solely for civilian purposes.

According to the source, the discussion will be followed by structured dialogue at the expert level.

Israel says its goal is to eliminate Tehran's ability to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies its nuclear program for military purposes.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has spoken in support of Israeli attacks and angered Tehran this week, saying Iran should ease tensions or face greater threat of damage.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Wednesday appealed to Iranian leaders to work towards a solution that would involve guarantees for his nuclear program, saying: "It's never too late to come to the negotiating table".