The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will hold a joint phone call today, Friday, with his counterparts from France, Britain, and Germany to discuss nuclear negotiations and sanctions.

The three European powers have threatened to activate the rapid return mechanism of UN sanctions on Iran (known as the “Snapback Mechanism”) if Tehran does not return to the negotiating table.

On Wednesday, Araghchi stated that the European countries are not entitled to trigger sanctions under the snapback mechanism outlined in the 2015 nuclear agreement, nor to extend the October deadline for its activation.

He told IRNA, “When we believe they do not have the right to implement the snapback mechanism, it naturally follows that they also do not have the right to extend the deadline for its activation,” adding, “We have yet to reach a basis for negotiations with the Europeans.”

Araghchi also noted that Iran “cannot completely cut off cooperation” with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but said the return of its inspectors depends on a decision by the Supreme National Security Council.

Last month, Iran officially suspended its cooperation with the IAEA, citing the agency’s reluctance to condemn Israeli and American strikes on its nuclear sites in June during the conflict.

The three European countries (Germany, France, and Britain), known as the “European Troika,” have threatened to activate the snapback mechanism, which was part of the 2015 international agreement with Iran and allows for the reimposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Tehran if it fails to comply with the terms of the deal. The deadline for activating the mechanism expires in October.

The Financial Times reported last week that the European parties offered to extend the October deadline for reimposing sanctions if Iran resumes nuclear talks with Washington and re-engages with the IAEA.

According to the report, the offer “remained unanswered by Iran.”