Iran could face European sanctions if nuclear talks not resumed
Iran will face sanctions by the E3 - France, UK, and Germany - should they fail to resume nuclear talks with the international community, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.
The three countries wrote in a letter to the UN and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday to raise the issue unless the Islamic Republic shows willingness to resume talks, the report added.
The letter from the three foreign ministers - Jean-Noël Barrot from France, Johann Wadephul from Germany, and David Lammy from the UK - was obtained by the Times, said, "We have made it clear that if Iran is not willing to reach a diplomatic solution before the end of August 2025, or does not seize the opportunity of an extension, the E3 are prepared to trigger the snapback mechanism.'
A look into the snapback mechanism
The snapback mechanism from the UN is a process that would reimpose UN sanctions on Tehran that were lifted under a 2015 deal in return for restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.
The E3 reportedly threatened in late July a snapback mechanism to reimpose sanctions on the Islamic Republic if no progress is reached at the end of August.
The letter comes only two months after the United States and Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites.
Just over three weeks ago, Iranian deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that reimposing international sanctions on the country would only make the situation over Iran's nuclear issue more complex.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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