Britain, France, and Germany, collectively known as the E3, have issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening to reimpose UN sanctions if it fails to resume nuclear negotiations by the end of August 2025. The ultimatum, outlined in a letter to the United Nations, signals escalating tensions as Iran’s nuclear program remains a global concern.

The E3 foreign ministers—Jean-Noel Barrot of France, David Lammy of Britain, and Johann Wadephul of Germany—stated their readiness to activate the “snapback” mechanism, a provision from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that allows reinstatement of UN sanctions if Iran violates its commitments. The letter, shared by Barrot on X, emphasized the E3’s commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, stating, “We will use all diplomatic tools to ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon.”

The warning follows a diplomatic stalemate intensified by a 12-day war in June between Iran and Israel, during which Israeli and U.S. jets targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities. Since the conflict, Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), limiting inspections and halting progress toward a new nuclear deal with Washington. The IAEA’s recent visit to Iran on Monday excluded nuclear sites, underscoring the ongoing rift.

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Last month, E3 nations met Iranian officials in Istanbul to discuss the possibility of reimposing sanctions lifted in 2015 under the JCPOA, which curbed Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, expressed hope that the E3 would reconsider their “unconstructive” stance, but no progress has been made. Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%—close to weapons-grade levels—remains a critical concern, with the E3 citing breaches like a uranium stockpile 40 times the permitted limit.

German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Josef Hinterseher reiterated that the legal grounds for triggering snapback sanctions are clear, urging Iran to return to diplomacy and cooperate fully with the IAEA. “Iran has a choice to engage in negotiations,” he said at a Berlin press conference. A diplomat familiar with the Istanbul talks indicated that renewed IAEA cooperation and addressing uranium stockpile concerns could delay sanctions, but Iran’s history of limiting inspections as a negotiating tactic clouds the outlook.

The E3’s letter, sent to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council, underscores their commitment to a diplomatic resolution but warns of action if Iran remains defiant. With the JCPOA set to expire in October, the threat of snapback sanctions looms large, potentially reinstating bans on uranium enrichment and missile-related technology. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the E3’s legal basis “unfounded,” warning that sanctions could end Europe’s role as a mediator.

As the August deadline approaches, the E3’s move signals an effort to reassert Europe’s influence in nuclear diplomacy, especially after being sidelined by recent U.S. and Israeli actions. The outcome will shape Iran’s relations with the West and the future of global nuclear security.

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