Press release

E3 + EU Foreign Ministers' statement: 20 June 2025

Joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, the UK and the High Representative of the EU on escalation of tensions in the Middle East

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, together with the High Representative of the European Union, met with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday, 20 June 2025.

They shared their grave concerns with regard to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East and reiterated their firm commitment to Israel鈥檚 security. They expressed their view that all sides should refrain from taking steps which lead to further escalation in the region, and urgently find a negotiated solution to ensure that Iran never obtains or acquires a nuclear weapon.

E3 Ministers and the High Representative of the European Union reiterated their longstanding concerns about Iran鈥檚 expansion of its nuclear programme, which has no credible civilian purpose, in violation of almost all JCPoA provisions. They discussed avenues towards a negotiated solution to Iran鈥檚 nuclear programme, while emphasising the urgency of the matter.

They expressed their willingness to continue discussing all questions relevant to Iran鈥檚 nuclear programme and broader issues.

They expressed full support for the Director General of the IAEA and encouraged Iran to fully cooperate with the Agency in line with its legally binding commitments, and in light of the IAEA鈥檚 last report on the implementation of safeguards obligations in Iran.

They shared their support for discussions to continue and welcomed ongoing US efforts to seek a negotiated solution. They expressed their willingness to meet again in the future.

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Updates to this page

Published 20 June 2025
Last updated 20 June 2025 show all updates
  1. Added translation

  2. First published.