Behind closed doors in the French capital, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is holding urgent talks with his counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot.
Two explosive issues dominate the table: Tehran’s battered nuclear program and a high-stakes human swap that could free long-held hostages.
Nuclear Crisis After the June War
The 12-day conflict last summer left Iran’s key atomic sites in ruins. Since then, Tehran has slammed the door on IAEA inspectors, calling the old inspection rules “dead” because of radiation dangers.
France, Germany and Britain responded by triggering UN “snapback” sanctions in October effectively killing the 2015 nuclear accord once and for all.
Araghchi once said negotiations were pointless. His surprise trip to Paris now hints Tehran might be ready for a brand-new agreement if the West plays ball.
The Human Bargain
Three lives hang in the balance:
- Iran wants terrorism charges dropped against Mahdieh Esfandiari, arrested in France earlier this year and now out on bail.
- France demands the immediate release of Cécile Kohler (41) and Jacques Paris (72), detained in Iran since 2022.
In a dramatic gesture, Iranian authorities just handed the French couple over to diplomats in Tehran but they still can’t board a plane home.
Everything now rides on this week’s closed-door meetings. One signature in Paris could unlock exit visas in Tehran… and maybe open the door to a fresh nuclear understanding.
Diplomats on both sides are calling it the most delicate 48 hours in years.
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