Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with his Italian counterpart on Saturday. During the conversation, he criticized what he described as the unconstructive European approach to Iran’s nuclear issue. Antonio Tajani received the phone call late that evening. The two diplomats discussed regional developments and the ongoing war.
Araghchi briefed Tajani on the latest ceasefire developments. He also explained diplomatic efforts aimed at ending what Iran calls the imposed war. Meanwhile, the foreign minister stressed the importance of European responsibility. He expressed regret over the positions adopted by certain countries because, in his view, they continue repeating inaccurate claims about Iran’s nuclear program.
According to Araghchi, Iran’s nuclear program remains entirely peaceful. He urged European nations to condemn what he described as US-Israeli aggression and hold Washington and Tel Aviv accountable for violations. Therefore, he argued that Europe must reconsider its current strategy.
The phone call also covered the security, legal, and economic consequences of the conflict because US-Israeli military actions have affected all of these areas. Araghchi fully explained Iran’s perspective to Tajani while emphasizing that European countries now face a critical choice. In his view, the unconstructive European approach benefits neither side.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program serves civilian purposes, and international inspectors have repeatedly monitored its activities. Nevertheless, some European countries continue repeating longstanding accusations. As a result, Araghchi described this approach as irresponsible and unhelpful. The war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance began on February 28.
The attacks targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and assassinated Iran’s leader, while Iran responded with 100 waves of retaliatory strikes. Later, a temporary ceasefire took effect on April 8. However, Araghchi argued that the unconstructive European approach has continued despite these developments.
Europe could play a mediating role in the conflict. Instead, he said some countries have sided against Iran. He urged Italy to pursue a different path and explicitly condemn the aggression. Tajani listened to Iran’s concerns during the call, although the Italian foreign minister did not make any immediate commitments.
Both sides agreed to continue diplomatic contacts, and the discussion remained respectful and constructive throughout the conversation. Iran’s nuclear facilities also remain under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has repeatedly reported no diversion of nuclear materials. Even so, several European countries continue expressing concerns.
Araghchi urged European governments to focus on what he described as genuine violations instead. He noted that the United States possesses thousands of nuclear warheads, while Israel maintains an undeclared nuclear arsenal. However, neither country faces the same level of European criticism. Consequently, Araghchi described this situation as a clear double standard.
The coming weeks may bring further diplomatic contacts, and Iran says it remains open to constructive engagement with Europe. However, Tehran insists that Europe must first change its position by condemning aggression and supporting peace efforts. Otherwise, trust between both sides will continue to erode.