By Staff, Agencies

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that he is "once again" proposing dialogue and a diplomatic path to France, Germany, and Britain on Iran’s nuclear program and other shared interests.

In a post on his X account on Thursday, Araghchi described the status quo of bilateral relations with each of the European troika a “lose-lose” situation, regretting that despite his call for diplomacy the trio has selected the “hard way.”

“Iran's relations with the E3 [France, Germany, and Britain] have experienced ups and downs in recent history. Like it or not, they are currently down. Why? Each side has its own narrative. To me, placing blame is a futile exercise. What matters is that the status quo is lose-lose,” Araghchi said.

He further noted that during a meeting with the foreign ministers of the E3 and other European counterparts in New York last September, he offered dialogue and cooperation instead of confrontation.

He told them that his proposal extended beyond the nuclear issue to include all areas of mutual interest and concern, but the Europeans have chosen the harder path, the minister recounted.

“I once again propose diplomacy. After my recent consultations in Moscow & Beijing, I am ready to take the first step with visits to Paris, Berlin & London. I was ready to do it before Iran commenced its indirect dialogue with the U.S., but the E3 opted out,” Araghchi stressed.

“The ball is now in the E3's court. They have an opportunity to do away with the grip of Special Interest groups and forge a different path. How we act at this critical junction is likely to define the foreseeable future,” he added.