The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have reimposed United Nations sanctions on Iran, accusing Tehran of breaching its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
In a joint letter to the UN Security Council, the three European powers — known as the E3 — said Iran was in “significant non-performance” of its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The move triggers a 30-day countdown under the UN mechanism. If no alternative agreement is reached during this period, all international sanctions lifted under the 2015 deal will automatically snap back into force.
Iran vows to respond
Tehran strongly condemned the decision, warning it would “respond appropriately.” Officials have previously threatened to scale back cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if sanctions were reinstated.
Tensions have risen sharply in recent months, particularly after Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, killing key military commanders. Analysts warn that, with its conventional defences weakened, Iran may be tempted to accelerate nuclear weapons development — though Israel’s control of the skies makes such a move highly risky.
Diplomacy still on the table
Despite triggering sanctions, the E3 said they remain open to talks. The European foreign ministers reiterated their willingness to pursue an “extension proposal” or any “serious diplomatic steps” to bring Iran back into compliance.
They also stressed there is “no civilian justification” for Iran’s growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
A European diplomat told Axios that Iran has been in “clear violation” of the agreement for years, with no meaningful corrective action.
US backs sanctions, calls for talks
Washington welcomed the snapback sanctions but also signalled readiness for direct negotiations.
“The United States supports the E3’s decision but continues to believe diplomacy is the best path forward,” a US official said.
The coming 30 days are likely to be decisive: either diplomacy prevails, or the full weight of UN sanctions will return to Tehran, deepening its political and economic isolation.
