Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Saturday that Tehran has no further interest in resuming nuclear negotiations with the European Troika, or E3, which consists of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Speaking in an interview on Iranian state television, Araghchi said the decision marks a definitive end to Iran’s engagement with European mediators on its nuclear program.
Araghchi declared that the Cairo Agreement—signed on September 9, 2025, between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resume nuclear inspections—was now “null and void,” citing what he called the “illegal and unjustified behavior” of the three European states. “The agreement reached in Cairo with the IAEA is null and void due to the illegal and unjustified behavior of the three European countries,” he said.
When asked about future cooperation with the IAEA, Araghchi explained, “Any request by the IAEA for inspection will be reviewed by the Supreme National Security Council, in line with the law passed by parliament.” The law, adopted in June 2025 following the 12-day war with Israel, limits IAEA access to nuclear facilities after Tehran accused the agency of sharing sensitive information about Iranian scientists and sites with Israeli intelligence.
Perhaps the most significant statement came when Araghchi ruled out future engagement with the E3, saying, “We will pursue relations with any party solely based on our national interests, and the E3 no longer has a place in our agenda.”
Araghchi also addressed a message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which was relayed to Tehran, in which Netanyahu claimed Israel was not seeking further conflict. Araghchi dismissed the overture, asserting that Tehran remains on “high alert” and does not trust Israel’s assurances.
The interview marks a clear indication of Iran’s shift toward a more hardline posture in foreign policy following the latest conflict with Israel and the reimposition of Western sanctions. Analysts suggest Tehran is preparing for confrontation rather than compromise, signaling a further breakdown in dialogue between Iran and the West.