A tense phone call on Friday between the Foreign Ministers of Britain, France, and Germany and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi ended without progress, according to a report from Axios. The conversation was marked by a confrontational tone, with Araghchi refusing to offer new proposals or ideas to address concerns about Iran's nuclear program. He expressed limited openness to extending sanctions but insisted that any decision must be made by the United Nations Security Council, not Iran. Araghchi also dismissed the possibility of resuming direct talks with the United States and claimed Iran is cooperating with international inspectors, while giving no indication of granting further access.

The report suggests that Iran showed little seriousness about reaching a deal, focusing instead on procedural matters and meetings at lower diplomatic levels. European ministers have warned that unless Iran returns to negotiations or accepts an extension before the end of August 2025, they are prepared to reimpose United Nations sanctions. The current sanctions are set to expire in October unless the mechanism is triggered. Iranian officials have previously warned that such a move could lead to a significant escalation, including the possibility of leaving the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.