Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi is extending an olive branch to European nations while cautioning against their "confrontation strategy" on nuclear issues, Le Point reported on May 12.

In an exclusive opinion piece, Araghchi highlights Europe's diminishing diplomatic influence in the Middle East, noting that European diplomats often serve as "little more than passive observers" in critical discussions, including ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States.

"A century after Britain and France drew the modern borders of the Middle East, Europe finds itself increasingly absent from the diplomatic future of the region," the minister writes in his commentary.

The foreign minister criticises European nations for failing to fulfil economic benefits promised under the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) after former US President Trump's unilateral withdrawal. He references former French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire's declaration that Europe would not be a "vassal" of Washington, but notes that in reality the E3 group (UK, France, Germany) failed to deliver.

"The same pattern of strategic indecision is repeating itself," Araghchi states, warning that Europe's recent approach to the JCPOA's "snapback" mechanism risks triggering a global nuclear proliferation crisis.

"We have officially warned all JCPOA signatories that abuse of the 'snapback' mechanism will lead to consequences – not only ending Europe's role in the agreement, but also to an escalation of tensions that could become irreversible," he cautions.

The Iranian minister highlights the humanitarian consequences of current policies, noting that the EU's ban on Iran Air last year "severely limited access to vital medicines, including cancer treatments," despite Ukrainian officials later refuting allegations about missile exports that prompted the ban.

Araghchi points to a stark contrast in humanitarian responses: "In 2003, after the devastating earthquake that struck the Iranian city of Bam, France quickly deployed a field hospital.

But this April, when a massive fire ravaged the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas – threatening to disrupt the economy from Central Asia to the Caucasus – only Russia offered immediate assistance."

Despite these tensions, the minister has made several overtures for renewed dialogue, including during last year's UN General Assembly in New York where he proposed cooperation on nuclear issues and other common concerns including Ukraine.

"This crucial moment will determine the future of Iran-Europe relations," Araghchi writes, adding: "Iran is ready to turn the page. We hope our European partners are too."