Vienna: Russia’s permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna has expressed skepticism regarding the ability of Britain, France, and Germany, collectively known as the E3 or European Troika, to influence Iran’s nuclear program positively.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Mikhail Ulyanov conveyed his doubts through a message on his X network, highlighting that Russia, China, and Iran are the primary players in the Iranian nuclear narrative, significantly steering the course of developments. He acknowledged the E3’s right to voice their opinions but questioned their effectiveness in contributing constructively to the situation.

Ulyanov’s remarks came on the heels of a meeting involving the foreign ministers of the E3 countries during the G7 summit, where Germany’s top diplomat urged Iran to maintain transparency, seemingly overlooking Tehran’s ongoing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Russian diplomat has consistently criticized the E3’s approach to Iran, advocating for resolution through mutual and respectful dialogue.

He noted that Western countries appear to lack a coherent strategy for engaging with Iran, relying instead on tactics like blackmail and ultimatums, which he deemed ineffective against Iran. Ulyanov further mentioned that any future dealings with Iran would fall under the IAEA’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, as the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the JCPOA, concluded with the expiration of Resolution 2231 on October 18, 2024.