E3 Countries Move to Impose Sanctions on Iran
E3 nations—France, Germany, and the UK—have initiated the process to impose “snapback” sanctions on Iran at the United Nations. These sanctions are set to take effect in September unless the process is halted.
The snapback process, which lasts 30 days, allows any party in the nuclear agreements to reapply sanctions if Iran is suspected of violating terms of the deal.
The nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), is likely to expire on October 18 unless an extension is granted. If the snapback isn’t finalized by that date, the future of the JCPOA will be left up to the UN Security Council.
Russia has indicated its intention to support Iran by preventing snapbacks and aiming for a six-month extension of the JCPOA. However, it lacks veto power over sanctions related to this deal. On the other hand, if the countdown is not completed by October 18, both Russia and China could veto efforts to restore sanctions. Russia also sees its revolving presidency at the Security Council in October as leverage to block sanctions.
The U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA during Donald Trump’s presidency, which means it cannot initiate the snapback process.
While the E3 nations have remained committed to the deal and attempted to keep it alive post-U.S. withdrawal, Iran’s actions and poor cooperation have made that increasingly difficult.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended the E3 for their actions, stating they’ve found valid grounds for the snapback due to Iran’s failure to meet nuclear commitments. Although the E3 could have launched the snapback at any time since 2019, they prioritized diplomatic efforts to provide Iran a way out of escalating tensions.
Rubio expressed gratitude to the E3 leaders and promised U.S. cooperation to fully implement sanctions but also extended an offer for direct engagement with Iran to resolve nuclear issues. He emphasized that snapback sanctions complement, rather than contradict, diplomatic efforts.
He urged Iranian leaders to take necessary steps to ensure they do not acquire nuclear weapons and to strive for peace and prosperity for their people.
In a concerning development, Iran has ceased substantial collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Despite having previously violated compliance, they have not responded to questions about uranium presence at undeclared nuclear facilities.
Recently, Israel and the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iran’s uranium enrichment sites, significantly damaging their nuclear program. Some Iranian officials have claimed that the IAEA collaborated with Israel and the U.S. for these strikes.
The E3 have been trying to engage Iran in negotiations to ensure complete inspections and to halt nearly weapons-grade uranium enrichment, but Iran has been adamant about its “right to enrich.”
Imposing snapback sanctions would apply intense pressure on Iran, potentially freezing foreign assets, halting arms deals, and reinstating all penalties set before the 2015 agreement.
French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barlot stated that this action does not signify the end of diplomacy and emphasized that they aim to engage in dialogue with Iran during the 30-day window.
Iran’s initial reaction has been far from positive. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has labeled the snapback process as “unjust, illegal, and baseless,” despite it being outlined in the 2015 agreement. He hinted that Iran might respond forcefully, possibly even withdrawing from the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
