The foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany, collectively referred to as the E3, have advised the United Nations of their willingness to reinstate sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program unless it recommences negotiations by the end of August.
**E3 Nations Threaten Sanctions on Iran Amid Nuclear Negotiation Stalemate**
**E3 Nations Threaten Sanctions on Iran Amid Nuclear Negotiation Stalemate**
The UK, France, and Germany signal readiness to reimpose sanctions if Iran delays talks on nuclear restrictions.
The E3 has put forth an ultimatum in a letter to the UN, expressing their determination to activate a "snapback" mechanism should Iran fail to engage in dialogue by the specified deadline. They mentioned that their proposed extension for negotiations until the end of August remains unanswered by Iranian officials. Meanwhile, Iranian lawmaker Manouchehr Mottaki indicated that Iran's parliament could withdraw from the existing nuclear deal if new sanctions are enacted.
These developments follow initial diplomatic conversations held in Istanbul last month between E3 representatives and Iranian diplomats. In their communication to the UN and Secretary-General António Guterres, the E3—comprising Jean-Noël Barrot (France), David Lammy (UK), and Johann Wadephul (Germany)—declared their intent to enforce severe sanctions unless Iran limits its nuclear activities. They emphasized a commitment to diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim that Iran has consistently denied.
Iran has articulated a willingness to continue discussions but insists that any advancements depend on the lifting of current sanctions and recognition of its right to pursue a civilian nuclear program. The current sanctions were initially lifted in 2015 as part of a nuclear agreement involving the E3, the US, Russia, and China. However, the US withdrawal from the deal in 2018 led to the reinstatement of sanctions, pushing Iran to increasingly breach the agreed limitations.
Recent reports indicate that Iran has accumulated over 400kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is significantly beyond levels acceptable for civilian use and nearing the threshold for weapons-grade material. Following the escalation of tensions, including military strikes against Iranian facilities by Israel, Iran's parliament suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
Despite the turmoil, the E3 remains firm in its resolve, urging Iran to reconsider its stance on negotiations. The UK Foreign Office has been approached for comments, while the Iranian mission at the UN has not yet provided a response.
These developments follow initial diplomatic conversations held in Istanbul last month between E3 representatives and Iranian diplomats. In their communication to the UN and Secretary-General António Guterres, the E3—comprising Jean-Noël Barrot (France), David Lammy (UK), and Johann Wadephul (Germany)—declared their intent to enforce severe sanctions unless Iran limits its nuclear activities. They emphasized a commitment to diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim that Iran has consistently denied.
Iran has articulated a willingness to continue discussions but insists that any advancements depend on the lifting of current sanctions and recognition of its right to pursue a civilian nuclear program. The current sanctions were initially lifted in 2015 as part of a nuclear agreement involving the E3, the US, Russia, and China. However, the US withdrawal from the deal in 2018 led to the reinstatement of sanctions, pushing Iran to increasingly breach the agreed limitations.
Recent reports indicate that Iran has accumulated over 400kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is significantly beyond levels acceptable for civilian use and nearing the threshold for weapons-grade material. Following the escalation of tensions, including military strikes against Iranian facilities by Israel, Iran's parliament suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), further complicating the diplomatic landscape.
Despite the turmoil, the E3 remains firm in its resolve, urging Iran to reconsider its stance on negotiations. The UK Foreign Office has been approached for comments, while the Iranian mission at the UN has not yet provided a response.
