Germany, France, UK trigger process to reimpose sanctions on Iran
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France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have triggered the “snapback” mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, accusing Tehran of violating the 2015 nuclear deal. The move, announced Thursday, follows weeks of failed talks and warnings that sanctions could return when the agreement formally expires in October.
The E3 foreign ministers told the UN Security Council that Iran has deliberately abandoned its commitments since 2019, amassing enriched uranium far beyond civilian needs. Sanctions, which will take effect in 30 days unless a compromise is reached, would restore restrictions on arms sales, missile development, and financial assets.
Iran rejected the decision, insisting it remains committed to diplomacy and warning of consequences. Officials in Tehran argued Europe lacks the right to trigger the mechanism, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi urging the E3 to “give diplomacy time and space.”
Analysts warned the move risks deepening tensions rather than reviving cooperation, especially after recent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian sites derailed earlier talks. Negotiations resumed in July but remain stalled, leaving Europe’s action widely seen as an escalation that could lock both sides into a cycle of retaliation.
