UK, France and Germany act
Britain, France and Germany have formally triggered the UN’s “snapback” mechanism to end sanctions relief for Iran, citing Tehran’s failure to meet its nuclear commitments.
The move, delivered in New York by UK Ambassador Dame Barbara Woodward, follows years of what European powers say is Iran’s deliberate non-compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA).
Officials said Iran has amassed a stockpile of highly enriched uranium without civilian justification and restricted international inspectors’ access to nuclear sites. The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed Iran is the only non-nuclear weapons state producing such material.
30-day window for diplomacy
The joint notification sets a 30-day period before UN sanctions return, unless the Security Council decides otherwise. Britain, France and Germany stressed that diplomacy remains possible, saying they had recently offered Tehran an extension if it resumed negotiations, complied with IAEA obligations and addressed concerns over uranium enrichment.
Ambassador Woodward told the council: “Our asks were fair and realistic. However, as of today, Iran has shown no indication that it is serious about meeting them.”
Call for Iran to act
The European states urged Iran to reconsider and re-engage with talks, including with the United States. They warned that if no progress is made, targeted UN sanctions focused on nuclear proliferation will be restored at the end of the period.
“We remain determined that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon,” Woodward said, adding that while the decision was forced by Iran’s actions, the door to diplomacy “remains open.”
The move underlines growing international concern that Iran’s nuclear programme poses a long-term threat to global security, with western governments maintaining that only a negotiated settlement can provide a lasting solution.
