E3 warns Iran of sanctions on nuclear program

Britain, France and Germany threaten to reimpose UN sanctions if Tehran stalls on talks about its nuclear program and cooperation with the IAEA.

E3 warns Iran of sanctions on nuclear program

Berlin reports that Britain, France and Germany warn of possible UN sanctions if Iran does not resume negotiations on its nuclear program and its cooperation with the IAEA. In a letter to the UN Security Council, the E3 signaled readiness to use the snapback mechanism if Tehran fails to comply or if talks are not extended beyond the August 2025 deadline. The letter was co-signed by the E3 foreign ministers and reflects a continued push for a diplomatic solution. The move follows a period of tension after a June clash between Iran and Israel and a pause in negotiations with Washington. Iran has suspended cooperation with the IAEA, and talks in Istanbul did not yield a resumption of formal engagement.

The E3 letter shows that sanctions pressure remains a central tool in Western diplomacy over Iran's nuclear program. It also highlights how the snapback option is still on the table even as talks are stalled. The risk is high: such steps could widen regional tensions, push Tehran toward greater isolation, or pressure it back toward diplomacy. The coming weeks will reveal whether diplomacy can regain traction or sanctions will deepen mistrust.

Highlights

The next moves will reveal whether diplomacy can still shape the outcome.