France, UK and Germany push to reinstate sanctions on Iran after nuclear talks collapse

Europe’s three leading powers — France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, known collectively as the E3 — moved on Thursday to begin the process of reimposing sanctions on the Iranian regime within 30 days, after yet another round of nuclear negotiations with Tehran ended without progress.

The sanctions were originally suspended in 2015, when the international community, led by then–U.S. President Barack Obama, signed a controversial nuclear agreement with Iran. The UN Security Council now has 30 days to decide whether to maintain those concessions or approve the reinstatement of sanctions.

In a joint letter, France, Germany, and the UK emphasized their determination to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

"The E3 are committed to using every diplomatic tool available to ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon. That includes our decision to trigger the 'snapback' mechanism today through this notification," the letter stated. "The E3's commitment to a diplomatic solution nonetheless remains steadfast. The E3 will fully make use of the 30-day period following the notification in order to resolve the issue giving rise to the notification."

In July, the three European nations and the United States agreed to restore sanctions on Iran if no nuclear agreement had been reached by the end of August. At the time, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot underscored that it was “justified in reapplying global embargoes on arms, banks, and nuclear equipment that were lifted 10 years ago.“

“Without a firm, tangible, and verifiable commitment from Iran, we will do so by the end of August at the latest,” he warned. “It's a fact: Iran violated the obligations it took 10 years ago during negotiations,” he added, referring to Tehran’s continued clandestine and illegal efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran denies seeking to develop nuclear weapons, insisting its program is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes. However, the regime has restricted international inspections of its nuclear facilities and continues to enrich uranium to 60% – a level near military grade that has no civilian applications.

Tehran has repeatedly stated its opposition to Israel’s existence and has long supported regional proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, while also being accused by Western governments of cooperating with international criminal networks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned in July that Iran would retaliate if European countries moved to reimpose sanctions.

“One of the big mistakes of the Europeans is that they think that the ‘snapback’ tool in their hands gives them the power to act on the Iranian nuclear issue, while this is a completely wrong perception. If these countries move towards snapback, they will make the resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue even more complicated and difficult,” Araghchi said.

A senior Iranian official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the European nations’ decision represented “an action against diplomacy, not a chance for it.” The official reiterated Tehran’s warning that it would consider a “harsh response” to the decision made by the European powers.

Iran currently faces a weakened negotiating position following Israel’s Operation Rising Lion in June, which targeted senior military leaders and struck elements of its nuclear and missile programs. Over the past 23 months of conflict, Israel has also significantly reduced the capabilities of Iran’s regional allies. With growing domestic unrest and a collapsing economy, the Iranian government currently has limited options.