Iranian and European diplomats have met in Norway for talks geared to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, Amwaj.media has learned. Multiple sources with knowledge of the recent engagement have confirmed that the discussions took place in Oslo last week.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior source in Tehran said Iranian top nuclear negotiator Ali Baqeri-Kani holding the rank of deputy foreign minister met with political directors from E3 (Britain, France and Germany) foreign ministries. EU deputy foreign policy chief Enrique Mora was also in attendance. Of note, US Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley did not travel to Oslo.
Details of the agenda of the engagement are unclear. “It was supposed to be a brainstorming session,” the senior Iranian source told Amwaj.media, adding that “more positive messages are needed to show that diplomacy is working.” A political insider separately described the talks as an “off the record discussion,” indicating that stumbling blocks remain.
While the meeting in Norway is rare, it is not the first time that the Scandinavian country—which has declined to join the European Union—has hosted talks between Europe and Iran. Multiple sources told Amwaj.media that Oslo months ago hosted ‘Track II’ talks to help find a way forward on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as the 2015 Iran nuclear deal is formally known.
Source: Amwaj - Photo: Reuters