E3 Warns of Sanctions Resumption Against Iran Over Nuclear Program

In a significant escalation of diplomatic pressure, the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3—have informed the United Nations of their readiness to reimpose sanctions on Iran if a diplomatic solution to its nuclear program is not achieved by the end of August. This development underscores mounting concerns over Iran's nuclear activities and the potential activation of the "snapback" mechanism, a provision of the 2015 nuclear deal that allows for the reinstatement of sanctions if Iran is found to be in non-compliance.

The E3's letter to the UN comes in the wake of a 12-day conflict in June between Iran and Israel, during which Israeli and American jets targeted key nuclear-related facilities in Iran. Subsequent talks between the E3 and Iranian officials in Istanbul in July did not yield significant progress. Iran has since suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and has not resumed negotiations with the United States for a new nuclear agreement.

The E3's letter emphasizes their commitment to preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and highlights the urgency of the situation. German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Josef Hinterseher stated, "Our position and our appeal is, very clearly, that Iran still has the choice of deciding to return to diplomacy … and full cooperation with the IAEA."

In response, Iranian lawmaker Manouchehr Mottaki warned that reimposing UN sanctions could lead Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This potential withdrawal raises concerns about regional stability and the future of nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

The snapback mechanism, established under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, allows for the automatic reimposition of previously lifted UN sanctions on Iran in response to a significant breach of the nuclear agreement. This mechanism has been considered in the past, notably in December 2024, when the E3 informed the UN Security Council of their readiness to trigger the snapback of all international sanctions on Iran if necessary to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The E3's recent communication to the UN underscores the fragile state of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the complexities involved in preventing nuclear proliferation. The potential reimposition of sanctions through the snapback mechanism highlights the urgency for diplomatic solutions to address Iran's nuclear program and maintain regional stability.

As the end of August deadline approaches, the international community will be closely monitoring Iran's actions and the E3's response, recognizing the significant implications for global security and diplomatic relations.