US EditionExplainer-Iran Is Facing a Return of UN Sanctions - What Happens Now?
The E3 powers plan to trigger the UN snapback sanctions due to Iran's breaches of the 2015 nuclear deal, risking heightened diplomatic tensions and economic impacts.
- On August 28, 2025, Britain, France, and Germany launched a 30-day process at the UN to reimpose sanctions on Iran for violating its nuclear commitments.
- This move follows Iran accelerating uranium enrichment to nearly 60% purity, suspending IAEA cooperation, and stalled indirect talks with the US.
- The snapback mechanism, created by the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal, allows reinstatement of pre-2015 UN sanctions if Iran breaches obligations, requiring a Security Council vote within 30 days.
- E3 demands Iran resume inspector access, disclosure of enriched uranium stockpiles, and reengagement in talks, with Israel's Foreign Minister Sa'ar calling the action "crucial" to counter Tehran's nuclear aims.
- If activated, the sanctions risk undermining diplomacy, strengthen Iran’s ties with Russia and China, and may drive Tehran to increase nuclear ambiguity or withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
11 Articles
11 Articles
The "snapback" mechanism provides for the automatic reinstatement of all sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 agreement, increasing economic pressure on Iran - Negotiations with Tehran remain open
Snapback sanctions will hurt Iran’s economy, but won’t topple the regime
According to multiple reports from Paris, Berlin and London, the activation of the snapback mechanism to reimpose all sanctions lifted from Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal now appears almost inevitable. It would take something highly unusual to delay or prevent the move. Russia, and possibly China, is working to push a UN Security Council resolution that would block the mechanism, but for now the E3 powers (France, Germany and the UK) seem inte…
Al-Monitor
Denver GazetteExplainer-Iran is facing a return of UN sanctions - what happens now?
By Michelle NicholsUNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -Britain, France and Germany launched a 30-day process to reimpose U.N. sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme on Thursday, according to a letter sent by the three nations to the U.N. Security Council seen by Reuters. The trio, known as the E3, has taken the step over accusations Iran has failed to abide by a 2015 deal with world powers that aimed to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.WH…
Europe's snapback gamble risks killing diplomacy with Iran
Europe appears set to move from threats to action. According to reports, the E3 — Britain, France, and Germany — will likely trigger the United Nations “snapback” process this week. Created under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), this mechanism allows any participant to restore pre-2015 U.N. sanctions if Iran is judged to be in violation of its commitments.The mechanism contains a twist that makes it so potent. Normally, the Security Council o…
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