E3 Countries Prepare to Reinstate Sanctions on Iran as Diplomatic Talks Stall

In a firm stance, the E3 nations are poised to utilize the snapback mechanism to reinstate sanctions should Iran remain unresponsive.

The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the UK, collectively referred to as the E3, have communicated to the United Nations their readiness to reimpose sanctions on Iran if it does not resume nuclear negotiations by the end of August. These measures entail triggering a "snapback" mechanism that reinstates sanctions previously lifted under the 2015 nuclear accord.

The E3 has proposed extending the negotiation deadline until August 31, a proposal that Iran has yet to acknowledge. While Iranian representatives have signaled a willingness to negotiate, they insist that current sanctions must first be lifted and that recognition of their right to a civilian nuclear program is essential. This comes in the aftermath of initial discussions between E3 and Iranian officials in Istanbul last month.

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the foreign ministers—Jean-Noël Barrot (France), David Lammy (UK), and Johann Wadephul (Germany)—stated that severe sanctions would be enforced unless Iran curbs its nuclear ambitions. They emphasized that the opportunity for a diplomatic resolution remains open, but reiterated that, should Iran fail to engage by the end of August 2025, they would not hesitate to activate the snapback mechanism.

The E3 are determined to utilize all available diplomatic avenues to ensure Iran refrains from developing nuclear weapons, a claim that Iranian officials have consistently denied. Following the US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018 under President Donald Trump, sanctions were reimposed, leading to Iran non-compliance with the previously agreed limitations.

Reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicated that, as of May, Iran had accumulated over 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, a level significantly above that necessary for civilian use, edging closer to weapons-grade material. Moreover, tensions have escalated in the region, with Iran's parliament halting cooperation with the IAEA shortly after Israel's military actions against its nuclear infrastructure.

As diplomatic negotiations hang in the balance, the E3 countries have intensified their warnings regarding Iran's compliance with the IAEA, while the UK Foreign Office and Iranian mission to the UN have not yet publicly commented on the ongoing discussions.