European diplomats are racing to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, but they admit hopes for a new agreement are dim. Tehran’s leadership, deeply rattled by the attacks and U.S. rhetoric, appears increasingly skeptical of diplomacy.

EU Sees Window for Talks

European officials say they remain committed to a diplomatic solution and believe Iran might still consider negotiations if economic incentives are offered. However, the recent military campaign—first by Israel, then by the United States targeting Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities—has shifted Tehran’s calculus.

While President Donald Trump has claimed the U.S. strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, preliminary European assessments say the attacks caused severe but not total damageEuropeans push for Iran…. Some suspect Iran relocated enriched uranium stockpiles in advance.

Despite calling off diplomacy, Trump also stated that talks could resume “this week,” although he later declared, “I’m not offering Iran ANYTHING.” European diplomats view these mixed signals warily.

Iran Hardens Nuclear Posture

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said this week that Tehran needs “more time” before re-entering negotiations and that any talks must include assurances the U.S. would not launch new attacks during diplomacy. “The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut,” he said, but noted that a swift return to the table is unlikely.

Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament passed measures to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Inspectors have been forced to leave the country, deepening the inspection gap and raising fears about Iran's transparency.

Michel Duclos, a former French diplomat, warned Iran might now be more determined “to go to the bomb and do that as secretly as possible.”

No Consensus on Terms

The Europeans are trying to preserve the framework of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which limited Iranian enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump abandoned the deal in 2018.

Today, the Trump administration demands “zero enrichment,” a red line for Iran, which maintains it has the right to enrich uranium for civilian energy. European countries are also pressing to include Tehran’s ballistic missile program in any future deal—something Iran has refused.

Europe Marginalized in U.S. Diplomacy

European influence is increasingly limited. U.S. airstrikes on Iran came just one day after European envoys met Araghchi in Geneva, underscoring how Washington is sidelining its allies. Officials in Brussels say they now fear their efforts could prove “futile” without U.S. alignment.

Despite the hurdles, diplomats say they will continue engaging Tehran in hopes that sanctions relief might eventually draw the regime back to the negotiating table.