France, Germany and UK willing to reimpose sanctions on Iran

France, Germany, and the UK, known as the E3, informed the UN they will trigger “snapback” sanctions unless Iran resumes nuclear talks by the end of August 2025. Foreign ministers Barrot, Wadephul, and Lammy of France, Germany and UK, signed the letter to Guterres, citing Iran’s violations of the 2015 nuclear deal since 2019 as justification.

Snapback would restore arms, banking, and nuclear sanctions set to expire October 18. Araghchi warned, “If they do snapback, that means that this is the end of the road for them,” threatening Iran's possible withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty signaling that Iran is working to develop nuclear weapons.

U.S. and Israeli strikes in June 2025 hit Iran’s nuclear facilities, leading Tehran to suspend IAEA cooperation. Araghchi, accusing the E3 of failing commitments, stated, “With the Europeans, there is no reason right now to negotiate because they cannot lift sanctions.”

In Istanbul, the E3 offered a deadline extension for talks with the U.S. and IAEA, but Iran did not respond. The U.S. and Israel view weapons-grade uranium production as a red line, warning of renewed conflict. Iran seeks U.S. assurances against attacks and compensation for war damages, escalating tensions toward a potential continuation of war.