ISTANBUL: Iranian and European diplomats are set to meet in Istanbul Friday to embark on the latest drive to unpick the deadlock over Tehran’s nuclear program. Representatives from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3 nations, will gather at the Iranian consulate building for the first talks since Iran’s 12-day war with Israel in June, which involved US bombers striking nuclear-related facilities. The talks are centered on the possibility of reimposing sanctions on Iran that were lifted in 2015 in exchange for Iran accepting restrictions and monitoring of its nuclear program.

The warning from Iran’s deputy foreign minister came days before he is set to travel to Istanbul for nuclear talks with European counterparts.

The E3 nations meeting marks the first since Israel targeted Iran’s key nuclear and military sites in a 12-day war.