European allies are expressing concern that a rapidly negotiated US–Iran framework agreement could ultimately worsen tensions rather than resolve them, according to diplomats familiar with past nuclear negotiations.
Diplomatic sources said there is growing unease in Europe that an inexperienced U.S. negotiating team may be prioritizing a quick, high-profile deal that delivers an early political win, rather than a durable and technically sound settlement.
The fear among some allies is that Washington, keen to secure a diplomatic achievement for President Donald Trump, could agree to a broad and superficial framework covering Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. Such an agreement, they warn, might later collapse under the weight of complex technical negotiations required to implement it.
“The concern isn’t that there won’t be an agreement,” said a senior European diplomat who has worked on the Iran nuclear file. “It’s that there will be a bad initial agreement that creates endless downstream problems.”
Eight diplomats with experience of Iran-related negotiations told Reuters they worry that rushed diplomacy could lock in unresolved issues, making future talks more difficult and potentially prolonging the crisis.
In response, the White House rejected the criticism, defending its approach to the negotiations.
“President Trump has a proven track record of achieving good deals on behalf of the United States and the American people, and he will only accept one that puts America first,” said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly.
The debate highlights ongoing divisions between the United States and its European allies over the pace and structure of any renewed diplomatic engagement with Iran, as efforts continue to address Tehran’s nuclear programme and sanctions policy.