Introduction

This book investigates the European involvement in managing the nuclear dispute with Iran, shedding new light on EU foreign policy-making.

The EU's Management of Iran’s Nuclear Issue

The author focuses on the peculiar format through which the EU managed Iran’s nuclear issue: a ‘lead group’ consisting of France, Germany and the UK and the High Representative for EU foreign policy (E3/EU).

The Credibility of the E3/EU

The experience of the E3/EU lends credibility to the claim that lead groups give EU foreign policy direction and substance.

The Negotiating Framework

The E3/EU set up a negotiating framework that worked as a de-escalating tool, a catalyst for Security Council unity and a forum for crisis management.

Sanctions and Diplomatic Efforts

They inflicted pain on Iran by adopting a comprehensive sanctions regime, but did so only having secured US commitment to a diplomatic solution. Once the deal was reached, they defended it vigorously.

Conclusion

The E3/EU may have been supporting actors, but their achievements were real.