UNITED NATIONS — France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have formally warned that they are prepared to reinstate sanctions on Iran if Tehran refuses to return to talks with the international community over its nuclear program.
The joint position, communicated to the United Nations this week, reflects mounting frustration in European capitals over what they describe as Iran’s continued non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Diplomats from the three countries — known collectively as the E3 — say they are seeking to avoid escalation but insist that Tehran must engage in “meaningful negotiations” to address both nuclear and regional security concerns. The E3 warned that the so-called “snapback” mechanism, a provision within the JCPOA allowing sanctions to be reimposed if Iran is in breach, remains on the table.
“Iran’s continued enrichment activities and lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency are deeply concerning,” one European diplomat told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York. “Our preference is dialogue, but we will act if necessary.”
Tehran has repeatedly denied violating the agreement’s terms, accusing Western nations of bad faith and pointing to Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from the deal under then-President Donald Trump. Since the US exit, Iran has gradually rolled back its commitments, enriching uranium to higher levels than permitted under the accord.
Efforts to revive the deal have stalled for more than a year, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock. UN officials have urged all parties to return to the negotiating table, warning that further breakdown could heighten tensions in an already volatile region.
The E3’s statement signals that the diplomatic window is narrowing, leaving Tehran with a choice: resume talks or face renewed international pressure in the form of restored sanctions.
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