As tensions between Iran and Israel neared full-scale war, senior European and Iranian ministers met in Vienna on Thursday as an emergency summit organized by the European Union, featuring foreign ministers from France, Germany, and Britain as well as an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to try to prevent wider regional conflict.
These discussions come at a time of intensified military actions between Israel and Iran, including airstrikes, drone attacks, cross-border missile exchanges, civilian casualties rising rapidly across borders and energy markets becoming volatile – in which Vienna talks are closely being watched as one of their last opportunities for diplomacy.
Josep Borrell, Chair of EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell emphasized the urgency of the situation during his opening remarks: “We’re here to prevent war that no one can afford.” “Europe has an obligation to foster dialogue over destruction.”
Iran officials voiced cautious optimism before talks, while maintaining Tehran’s position is uncompromising. According to Amir-Abdollahian, Tehran remains committed to its sovereignty and national interests and remains opposed to dialogue based on threats or pressure.
European ministers reportedly encouraged Iran to cease military operations and cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In return, they proposed partial sanctions relief and efforts towards revitalizing the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear agreement that collapsed after U.S. withdrawal in 2018.
Sources with knowledge of the negotiations reported that Iran did not rule out returning to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action framework but instead demanded guarantees from Western powers that any new deal they signed will be honored this time around. One European diplomat noted: “Iran wants assurances that any deal it strikes this time around will be upheld.”
Backchannel talks between European envoys and Israeli officials are reported to be ongoing to prevent further escalation. Israel did not attend the Vienna meeting but has consistently expressed its displeasure with a nuclear-armed Iran and reserves its right to act unilaterally to defend its security.
“Time is of the essence,” warned Annalena Baerbock, German Foreign Minister after the session. If these diplomatic efforts fail, we could face an explosion of military responses across the region.
Outside the meeting venue, exiled Iranian dissidents and pro-Palestinian activists held small demonstrations demanding an end to foreign interventions and calling for peaceful solutions to resolve the crisis.
Analysts warn that although the meeting is an encouraging sign of engagement, its path forward remains narrow and fraught with mistrust. Dr. Adam Westlake, an expert on Middle Eastern affairs noted: “This conflict no longer involves only Iran and Israel alone – its impact now can extend to include regional and global powers alike, making diplomatic success of paramount importance.”
After yet failing to reach any formal agreement, talks are set to continue into this weekend and may even extend past it. While their effectiveness remains uncertain, the stakes couldn’t be higher.