Iranian diplomats met with representatives from Germany, the United Kingdom, and France on Friday in Istanbul for high-stakes nuclear negotiations, as the three European powers warned they could reinstate United Nations sanctions if diplomacy fails.

The talks, the first since Israel’s June attack on Iran and subsequent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, come at a tense moment, with fears of further escalation if no progress is made.

The E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) have threatened to trigger the "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which would restore harsh UN sanctions on Iran. The move could cripple Iran’s economy and deepen its international isolation.

Western officials have grown increasingly frustrated with Iran’s expanding nuclear program, which has seen uranium enrichment reach near weapons-grade levels. Tehran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful but has resisted full compliance with JCPOA terms.

The meeting marks the first direct negotiations since Israel’s mid-June strikes on Iran, which triggered a 12-day conflict involving U.S. military intervention. Washington targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities, raising fears of a broader regional war.

Analysts suggest the recent hostilities could push Iran toward compromise—or harden its position, depending on its perception of Western resolve.

Efforts to revive the JCPOA have been stalled for years, with Washington and Tehran at odds over sanctions relief and uranium enrichment limits. The E3 has urged Iran to return to compliance, while Tehran demands guarantees against future U.S. withdrawal from any deal.

If talks collapse, the region could face further instability, including potential Iranian retaliation or accelerated nuclear advancements.