Britain, France, and Germany have formally notified the United Nations of their readiness to reimpose UN-mandated sanctions on Iran’s nuclear programme if no diplomatic resolution is achieved by the end of August 2025.
In a joint letter obtained by AFP and addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN Security Council, the three European powers — collectively known as the E3 — reiterated their determination to use “all diplomatic tools” to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. They warned that, should Tehran fail to meet the deadline, they are prepared to activate the “snapback mechanism” outlined in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This provision allows any signatory to restore previous UN sanctions if the deal’s terms are violated.
The JCPOA, signed by the E3 alongside the United States, China, Russia, and Iran, offered sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities. However, the accord is set to expire in October. Former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the deal in 2018, reinstating U.S. sanctions, while the European signatories remained committed to its framework.
The E3 ministers — Jean-Noël Barrot of France, David Lammy of Britain, and Johann Wadephul of Germany — accused Iran of significant breaches, including amassing a uranium stockpile more than 40 times the limit allowed under the 2015 agreement. They stressed that their preference remains a diplomatic solution but warned they would act if Iran refuses to engage or accept an extension.
Tensions escalated in June when Israel launched a 12-day military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The United States also carried out airstrikes during the conflict. The E3 cited Iran’s restrictions on IAEA inspectors as a key concern, noting that such actions undermine verification efforts.
Iran, which denies seeking nuclear weapons, has rejected the E3’s legal authority to reinstate sanctions. In a letter to the UN, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi argued that the European countries’ actions would be illegitimate. The E3 dismissed this as “unfounded,” maintaining that their legal position under the JCPOA and relevant UN resolutions is “clear and unambiguous.”
The letter concludes with a warning that, absent progress before the August deadline, the E3 will trigger the snapback process to reimpose full UN sanctions, including prohibitions on uranium enrichment.
