E3 Nations Threaten Sanctions Amidst Iran’s Nuclear Escalation
Last month, the E3 nations—France, Germany, and the UK—signaled their readiness to reintroduce sanctions due to Iran’s escalated nuclear activities, which have surged following American and Israeli airstrikes in June, reports 24brussels. The European Commission has proposed extending the pause on sanctions to provide Iran with an opportunity to fulfill its legal obligations, although a specific timeframe has not been established.
The E3, in a letter co-signed by U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, highlighted that “Since 2019, Iran has willfully and publicly departed from its [nuclear deal] commitments, as evidenced by more than 60 [International Atomic Energy Agency] reports over 6 years.”
Barrot stated that “If Iran continues to violate its international obligations, France and its German and British partners will reimpose global embargoes on arms, nuclear equipment, and banking restrictions at the end of August, which were lifted 10 years ago,” emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
Following a 12-day conflict with Israel, during which U.S. airstrikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran severed its ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear monitoring body. Despite the damage inflicted, the head of the IAEA indicated that Tehran could resume nuclear enrichment within months. This week, the agency’s deputy director returned to Iran for the first time since the attacks to continue dialogue, according to Iranian news agency IRNA.
The E3 members have called for “direct negotiations between Iran and the U.S.” to “resume urgently,” underlining the need for diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions in the region.
