Dayo Ade Olusola|M10news|28 August 2025
The UK, France and Germany are preparing to reapply United Nations sanctions on Iran, citing fears that Tehran’s nuclear programme is edging closer to weapons development.
The three European nations — collectively known as the E3 — said they are activating the so-called “snapback” mechanism after years of stalled negotiations with Iran.
Iran, however, continues to insist that its nuclear programme is solely for civilian purposes, rejecting Western claims that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons.
International inspectors have confirmed that Iran has enriched uranium well beyond the levels required for civilian energy production — a clear violation of the 2015 nuclear deal, which had eased sanctions in return for strict enrichment limits.
The measures under consideration would freeze Iranian assets held overseas, block weapons deals, and restrict development of ballistic missiles, piling further strain on the country’s struggling economy.
Window for diplomacy
Before sanctions return, a 30-day period has been set aside for renewed dialogue. London, Paris and Berlin said they hope Iran will use this opportunity to reduce its nuclear activity.
The trio have already informed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of their decision and formally notified the UN on Thursday. The UN Security Council is expected to debate the matter on Friday.
Pushback from Russia and China
Russia and China, both permanent members of the Security Council, quickly introduced a rival resolution calling for an extension of the 2015 deal and urging all sides back to talks. Moscow’s deputy UN envoy dismissed the E3 initiative as having “no legal basis.”
E3 statement
In a joint declaration, the European foreign ministers said they had invested “consistent and intensive diplomatic effort” to salvage the deal but argued Iran had repeatedly refused compromise.
“Iran has no civilian rationale for maintaining such a vast stockpile of enriched uranium, much of which is unaccounted for by the IAEA,” they said. “Its actions pose a serious threat to international security.”
The E3 stressed they still prefer a diplomatic settlement and would use the 30-day window to pursue one.
US reaction
Washington welcomed the move. Mr Rubio said the Europeans had presented “a clear case of Iran’s significant non-performance” and confirmed the US would work with allies to finalise the sanctions. He added that Washington remained open to direct negotiations.
Iran denounces decision
Tehran’s foreign ministry condemned the move as “provocative” and “unnecessary,” warning it would respond appropriately.
Tensions with the West have been heightened this year, particularly after a 12-day conflict with Israel during which Iranian nuclear facilities were targeted.
UK stance
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Britain and its allies had tried for years to secure a solution but were now left “with no choice.”
He said Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is now 45 times above the JCPOA limit, noting that a workable deal offered in 2022 was rejected by Tehran. He added that extended sanctions relief was also proposed under specific conditions, but stressed that “the ball remains in Iran’s court.”
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed in 2015 but began unravelling after then-US President Donald Trump pulled Washington out in 2018 and reinstated sanctions.
