Paris – European diplomats confirmed that the UK, France, and Germany will initiate the reimposition of U.N. sanctions on Iran during a meeting at the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, reports 24brussels.
On Tuesday, the E3 nations convened to discuss the revival of diplomatic efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear program ahead of a mid-October deadline to restore sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement with global powers.
Why did the E3 decide to trigger snapback sanctions?
According to diplomats, the discussions held on Tuesday failed to yield significant commitments from Iran, although they recognized the potential for ongoing diplomatic engagement in the coming weeks.
The lack of concrete commitments from Tehran has led the E3 to activate the snapback of U.N. sanctions, citing claims that Iran has breached the 2015 accord aimed at curbing its nuclear weapon development, as reported by diplomatic sources.
Could snapback sanctions be delayed to allow diplomacy?
The E3 nations also suggested the possibility of delaying the snapback for up to six months to facilitate serious negotiations, pending the resumption of full U.N. inspections by Iran. This postponement would also aim to address Iran’s significant stockpile of enriched uranium, which has not been verified since strikes occurred in June and involves discussions with the U.S.
When and why did Iran cut cooperation with the IAEA?
Iran suspended its cooperation with the IAEA in June 2025 following U.S. military actions against its nuclear facilities amid heightened tensions with Israel. On June 25, 2025, the Iranian Parliament passed legislation that halted all collaboration with the IAEA, which was signed into law by President Masoud Pezeshkian on July 2.
How has Iran threatened to respond to renewed sanctions?
Tehran has consistently warned of a strong retaliatory response if sanctions are reimposed. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, stated that if the snapback occurs, Iran would cease all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“We have told the E3 that if this happens, Europe will, in effect, remove itself from the diplomatic arena and dialogue with Iran,”
He further noted that Iran would only engage within the framework of the U.N. Security Council.
What level of uranium enrichment has Iran reached?
The IAEA reports that Iran has enriched uranium to levels as high as 60% fissile purity, just below the approximately 90% required for weapons-grade material. At this enrichment level, Iran possessed enough uranium, if further refined, for six nuclear weapons before Israel’s military actions began on June 13.
