European countries including Britain, France, and Germany are set to engage in discussions with Iran's foreign minister in Geneva on Friday, in an attempt to prevent an escalation of tensions in the Middle East and a potential intervention by the United States.

The talks, which will involve the foreign ministers of the three European nations, come amidst warnings from US President Donald Trump about the possibility of joining Israel in its actions against Iran.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of resolving the situation through negotiations rather than conflict, highlighting the clear risk of escalation across the region. While acknowledging Israel's right to self-defense, he stressed the need for de-escalation.

European capitals have been preparing for the potential involvement of the US in the conflict, especially after Trump's recent statements indicating a willingness to enter the war.

The meeting in Geneva with Iran's Abbas Araghchi marks a revival of the 'E3' format, where Britain, France, and Germany, as the European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, aim to address the ongoing standoff between Iran and the West.

The primary objective of the meeting is to establish a framework for resuming monitoring of Iran's nuclear activities, with a focus on ensuring international inspectors have unrestricted access to facilities. Discussions will also cover the possibility of Iran committing to reducing its ballistic missile arsenal.

Following Trump's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018, Iran has increased its nuclear activities, raising concerns about its enrichment of uranium to levels approaching weapons-grade.

Despite five rounds of indirect talks between the Trump administration and Iran, the diplomatic process was disrupted by Israel's military actions just before the scheduled sixth round of negotiations.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the importance of negotiations as the only viable approach to achieving a lasting reduction in Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. He called for a return to negotiations to address these critical issues.

The E3, which played a significant role in working with the Biden administration to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, found themselves on the sidelines during Trump's tenure as he pursued a different strategy to pressure Iran into a new agreement.