Western powers are poised to bring back sanctions on Iran's nuclear program, contingent upon Tehran's engagement in diplomatic talks by the end of August.
UK, France, and Germany Prepare to Reinstate Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Concerns
UK, France, and Germany Prepare to Reinstate Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Concerns
The E3 countries extend negotiations deadline to August while threatening sanctions if Iran does not respond.
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the UK have announced their readiness to reinstate previous sanctions against Iran concerning its controversial nuclear program unless negotiations resume by the end of August. The three nations, collectively known as the E3, communicated this stance to the United Nations, indicating their willingness to implement a "snapback" mechanism should Iran fail to respond to an extended deadline for talks.
In a letter directed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the E3 emphasized they would enforce strict sanctions if Iran does not agree to limitations on its nuclear activities. They noted that their offer for further negotiations, initially outlined during talks with Iranian officials in Istanbul last month, remains unanswered by Iran.
Iranian lawmaker Manouchehr Mottaki signaled that if new sanctions were imposed, Iran's parliament may withdraw from the nuclear agreement, which had previously restricted its uranium enrichment and nuclear development efforts. The E3 reaffirmed their commitment to utilizing diplomatic channels to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities, a goal that Tehran has steadfastly denied intending to pursue.
Tehran has stated its willingness to engage in more discussions; however, it insists that existing sanctions must be lifted and the right to a civilian nuclear program secured before it can proceed. The previous sanctions against Iran’s nuclear activities were lifted in 2015 following a multinational agreement that included the E3, the US, Russia, and China, limiting Iran's nuclear pursuits and allowing international inspections.
The agreement, however, is nearing its expiration in October, and tensions escalated significantly when the US withdrew in 2018 under President Trump's administration, which claimed the deal did not sufficiently curb Iran's potential nuclear ambitions, leading to the re-imposition of harsh economic sanctions.
In retaliation, Iran began to exceed the limits set by the nuclear deal, with recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicating that Iran possessed over 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity—approaching weapons-grade levels. Following another round of tensions marked by Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and US bombings, the E3 intensified their warnings regarding Iran's diminishing cooperation with international nuclear oversight.
As the situation develops, both sides have remained largely unavailable for immediate commentary through official channels.
In a letter directed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the E3 emphasized they would enforce strict sanctions if Iran does not agree to limitations on its nuclear activities. They noted that their offer for further negotiations, initially outlined during talks with Iranian officials in Istanbul last month, remains unanswered by Iran.
Iranian lawmaker Manouchehr Mottaki signaled that if new sanctions were imposed, Iran's parliament may withdraw from the nuclear agreement, which had previously restricted its uranium enrichment and nuclear development efforts. The E3 reaffirmed their commitment to utilizing diplomatic channels to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities, a goal that Tehran has steadfastly denied intending to pursue.
Tehran has stated its willingness to engage in more discussions; however, it insists that existing sanctions must be lifted and the right to a civilian nuclear program secured before it can proceed. The previous sanctions against Iran’s nuclear activities were lifted in 2015 following a multinational agreement that included the E3, the US, Russia, and China, limiting Iran's nuclear pursuits and allowing international inspections.
The agreement, however, is nearing its expiration in October, and tensions escalated significantly when the US withdrew in 2018 under President Trump's administration, which claimed the deal did not sufficiently curb Iran's potential nuclear ambitions, leading to the re-imposition of harsh economic sanctions.
In retaliation, Iran began to exceed the limits set by the nuclear deal, with recent reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicating that Iran possessed over 400 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity—approaching weapons-grade levels. Following another round of tensions marked by Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and US bombings, the E3 intensified their warnings regarding Iran's diminishing cooperation with international nuclear oversight.
As the situation develops, both sides have remained largely unavailable for immediate commentary through official channels.
