IRAN will hold nuclear talks in Rome on Friday with Britain, France and Germany a bid to improve relations amid ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said today. 

The meeting in the Italian capital will take place ahead of a fourth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States this weekend, also in Italy. 

The negotiations aim to reach a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for easing US economic sanctions, which have heavily affected Tehran.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to launch military strikes on Iran if no deal is reached.

Iranian officials warn that Tehran could pursue a nuclear weapon, citing its stockpile of uranium enriched close to weapons-grade levels.

A United Nations security council resolution endorsing the 2015 nuclear agreement is set to expire in October. 

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday that Paris would not hesitate to support the reimposition of international sanctions should talks fail to yield an agreement.

His Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi hit back today, saying: “In my opinion, the three European countries have lost their role [in the nuclear file] due to the wrong policies they have adopted.

“Of course, we do not want this and are ready to hold talks with them in Rome.”