The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have collectively called on Iran to step back from escalating tensions and to re-engage in diplomatic talks after the United Nations reinstated sanctions against the nation. This move comes as a direct response to Iran’s continued advancement in its nuclear program and a perceived lack of cooperation with international bodies.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, the foreign ministers of these three European powers, collectively known as the E3, explained their decision. They stated that Iran’s repeated breaches of its commitments left them with no alternative but to trigger the ‘snapback’ procedure, which effectively brings previously lifted sanctions back into force. The E3 emphasized that this action does not signal the end of diplomatic efforts, and they intend to continue pursuing diplomatic routes and negotiations.
The statement highlighted Iran’s failure to take necessary steps to address international concerns, nor to agree to extensions on dialogue, despite extensive discussions. Specifically, the E3 pointed to Tehran’s refusal to grant IAEA inspectors full access to its nuclear sites and its non-compliance in providing reports on its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. These actions are contrary to Iran’s legal obligations under the nuclear treaty.
The reimposed sanctions, which span economic and military sectors, were reinstated at midnight GMT on Saturday, marking a significant shift a decade after they were initially lifted as part of a landmark nuclear deal. Iran had previously increased its nuclear activities following the US withdrawal from the deal in 2016. While attempts to postpone the return of sanctions failed during recent UN gatherings, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian had previously stated the country had no intention of developing nuclear weapons, condemning the sanctions as unfair and illegal.
The IAEA confirmed the resumption of inspections on Friday. However, Iran has previously warned that the reintroduction of sanctions could jeopardize these ongoing discussions and its cooperation with the agency. President Pezeshkian has also clarified that Iran would require assurances against potential attacks on its nuclear facilities by Israel to normalize its nuclear enrichment program, while also rejecting a US demand for its entire stockpile of enriched uranium in exchange for a temporary sanctions exemption.