The UK, France, and Germany have warned they are prepared to reimpose sanctions on Iran’s nuclear programme if Tehran fails to resume negotiations by the end of August.
The three nations, known as the E3, said they could trigger the UN “snapback” mechanism, restoring previous sanctions unless Iran agrees to return to talks. The warning was issued in a joint letter to the United Nations and Secretary-General António Guterres.
E3 Sets August Deadline for Talks
The E3 said they had offered to extend the negotiation deadline to the end of August, but claimed Iran has not responded. In their letter, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said they would act if Iran fails to reach a diplomatic solution or use the extension opportunity.
They stressed that all diplomatic tools would be used to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon — an accusation Iran has repeatedly denied.
Iran Threatens Withdrawal from Nuclear Deal
In response, Iranian lawmaker Manouchehr Mottaki told state-linked media that parliament would move to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal if new sanctions are imposed. The agreement, signed by Iran, the E3, the US, Russia, and China, had lifted sanctions in exchange for strict limits on Iran’s nuclear activities and international inspections.
However, the US withdrew from the deal in 2018 under Donald Trump, reimposing sanctions. Since then, Iran has progressively breached its nuclear limits, enriching uranium to 60% purity — close to weapons grade.
Rising Tensions and Military Strikes
Tensions escalated in June when Iran suspended cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), after clashes with Israel and the US. That same month, Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, sparking a 12-day conflict. The US also bombed several Iranian nuclear sites, halting US-Iran negotiations.
The E3’s warning follows initial diplomatic talks in Istanbul last month, which failed to produce a breakthrough. Iran has said it is willing to engage further only if current sanctions are lifted and its right to a civilian nuclear programme is recognised.
