IRANIAN and European diplomats met in Istanbul today in the latest drive to unpick the deadlock over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Representatives from Germany, France and Britain, known as the E3 nations, gathered at the Iranian consulate building for the first talks since Iran’s 12-day war with Israel in June, which involved United States bombers striking nuclear-related facilities.

The talks were apparently held at the deputy ministerial level, with Iran sending Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-e Ravanchi.

The names of the E3 representatives were not released.

The talks are centred on the possibility of reimposing sanctions on Iran that were lifted in 2015 in exchange for Iran accepting restrictions and monitoring of its nuclear programme.

The return of sanctions “remains on the table,” according to a European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity.

“A possible delay in triggering snapback has been floated to the Iranians on the condition that there is credible diplomatic engagement by Iran, that they resume full co-operation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), and that they address concerns about their highly enriched uranium stockpile,” the diplomat said.

European leaders have said sanctions will resume by the end of August if there is no progress.

Meanwhile, Tehran has said the US, which withdrew from the 2015 deal during President Donald Trump’s first term, needs to rebuild faith in its role in negotiations.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Iran’s engagement was dependent on “several key principles” that included “rebuilding Iran’s trust — as Iran has absolutely no trust in the US.”

In a social media post on Thursday, he also said the talks shouldn’t be used “as a platform for hidden agendas such as military action.”

Mr Gharibabadi insisted that Iran’s right to enrich uranium “in line with its legitimate needs” be respected and sanctions removed.

Iran has repeatedly threatened to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which commits it to refrain from developing nuclear weapons, if sanctions return.