European nations take steps to reimpose sanctions on Iran over nuclear program
Britain, France, and Germany informed the United Nations on Thursday that Iran is violating its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement and moved to reactivate sanctions that had been suspended under that deal. The notification starts a 30-day consultation period during which European and Iranian diplomats are expected to intensify negotiations to prevent the sanctions from taking effect. In a joint statement, the three foreign ministers emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue through diplomacy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the move illegal and warned that Iran would respond to protect its national interests, urging the European countries to reverse the decision. The so-called snapback sanctions would restore pre-2015 penalties, including arms embargoes, asset freezes, visa bans, and restrictions on ballistic missile production. European officials view the sanctions as leverage to push Iran toward negotiating a new nuclear agreement. Iran has suggested it could exit the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty if sanctions are reinstated. The U.S. and allies remain concerned that Iran’s nuclear program, including its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, could lead to weapons development and regional instability. Efforts to resume talks with Iran have so far stalled, with Tehran refusing full access to nuclear inspectors and disputing Europe’s authority to restore the sanctions.
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