European leaders urge UN to revamp Iran sanctions

European Powers Threaten to Reinstate UN Sanctions on Iran

In a joint letter to UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, France, the United Kingdom and Germany warned that if Iran fails to reach a diplomatic settlement by the end of August 2025, they will trigger the “snapback” mechanism of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Under the JCPOA, a “snapback” provision allows any signatory country to restore UN Security Council sanctions on Iran if the deal terminates in October or if Iran breaches its commitments. The three European states, all signatories to the JCPOA, said they are fully prepared to exercise this clause.

Key Concerns Raised by the E3

• Iran has built a uranium stock more than 40 times the level permitted under the JCPOA.
• Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities.
• Despite a new IAEA talk in Tehran, Iran continues to deny that it is seeking a nuclear weapon.

Three Nations Signify Their Commitment to a Diplomatic Solution

Foreign ministers Jean‑Noel Barrot of France, David Lammy of the United Kingdom and Johann Wadephul of Germany wrote that they remain “fully committed to a diplomatic resolution to the crisis caused by Iran’s nuclear programme.” They emphasized that their legal basis to trigger the snapback mechanism is “unambiguous” and clarifies that no satisfactory solution must be reached by the end of August 2025.

Background on the JCPOA and U.S. Withdrawal

President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the JCPOA in 2018, during his first term, and imposed new sanctions. The European powers have, until now, chosen to stay aligned with the JCPOA and uphold the deal’s “carrot and stick” approach.

Iran’s Response and the IAEA’s Role

After Israel launched a 12‑day war with Iran in June, partially aimed at destroying its nuclear capability, Iran halted all cooperation with the IAEA. Nonetheless, the agency’s deputy chief is expected to visit Tehran for a new cooperation deal. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sent a letter to the UN last month saying that the European countries do not have the legal right to restore sanctions. The European ministers called this allegation “unfounded.”