European ministers to hold nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva on Friday

(Patria) - Foreign ministers of Germany, France and the United Kingdom plan to hold nuclear talks with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday, a German diplomatic source told Reuters.

The ministers will first meet with the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, at Germany's permanent mission in Geneva before holding a joint meeting with the Iranian foreign minister, the source said.

The European initiative comes amid fears of a spiral of conflict in the Middle East after Israel launched wide-ranging military strikes on its arch-foe Iran last week, with Tehran responding by sending waves of missiles at Israeli targets.

President Donald Trump has refused to say whether the United States would join the military campaign of its ally Israel, fueling concerns that the crisis could intensify.

The aim of the talks between Iran and the Europeans, which the German source said were taking place in coordination with the United States, is to persuade the Iranian side to provide firm guarantees that it will use its nuclear program exclusively for civilian purposes. According to the source, the talks will be followed by a structured dialogue at the expert level.

Israel has stated its aim is to eliminate Tehran's ability to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies its nuclear program is for military purposes.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supported Israel's attack and angered Tehran this week by saying the Iranians should de-escalate or face the threat of even greater destruction.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul appealed to Iranian leaders on Wednesday to work towards a solution that would include guarantees regarding their nuclear program, telling them: "It is never too late to sit down at the negotiating table."