London/Paris/Berlin, August 2025 – The United Kingdom, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3 Iran Sanctions —have formally warned the United Nations that they are prepared to reimpose sanctions on Iran’s nuclear programme if Tehran fails to return to negotiations by the end of August. The warning marks a significant escalation in diplomatic pressure as the nuclear deal edges towards expiry in October.
E3 Warns of “Snapback” Sanctions
In a joint letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the foreign ministers—Jean-Noël Barrot (France), David Lammy (UK), and Johann Wadephul (Germany)—outlined their readiness to trigger the snapback mechanism. This would restore previous sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement unless Iran agrees to resume talks and limit its nuclear activities.
The E3 Iran Sanctions noted they had offered Tehran an extension of the negotiation deadline until the end of August 2025, but this offer “remained unanswered by Iran.”
Iran Warns of Withdrawing from the Nuclear Deal
Iran pushed back strongly. According to Iranian Defa Press, lawmaker Manouchehr Mottaki stated that Iran’s parliament was prepared to withdraw entirely from the nuclear agreement if new sanctions were implemented.
The 2015 deal, agreed between Iran and six world powers (E3, US, Russia, China), limited Tehran’s nuclear programme and allowed international inspections in exchange for sanctions relief. That deal is set to expire in October 2025.
From the 2015 Deal to Today’s Tensions
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015, aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities and ensure the programme remained peaceful.
- 2018: The US under Donald Trump withdrew, reinstating all US sanctions.
- In response, Iran breached JCPOA limits, ramped up uranium enrichment, and restricted inspector access.
Escalations in 2025: Attacks and Suspensions
Tensions worsened in June 2025 when Iran’s parliament suspended cooperation with the IAEA amid rising hostilities with Israel and the US.
- Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, sparking a 12-day conflict.
- The US conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, halting negotiations.
Following these incidents, the E3 Iran Sanctions intensified warnings about Iran’s non-cooperation, citing increased global security risks.
E3’s Conditions and Iran’s Demands
The E3 insists 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.”
Iran’s stance:
- Open to dialogue only if existing sanctions are lifted.
- Demands formal recognition of its right to a civilian nuclear programme.
- Denies seeking nuclear weapons.
Geopolitical Stakes Ahead of October Deadline
The October 2025 expiry adds urgency. If sanctions return, restrictions on oil exports, banking, and trade would be reinstated, potentially crippling Iran’s economy further.
Diplomats warn failure to compromise could heighten Middle East instability and risk a wider conflict involving global powers.
Commitment to Diplomatic Resolution
Despite tensions, the E3 reaffirmed commitment to all diplomatic tools to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. They urge Tehran to engage constructively, warning that the window for peaceful resolution is closing.
For now, the end-of-August deadline is seen as the last major opportunity to salvage negotiations before sanctions snap back and the 2015 deal collapses.
