The UK, alongside France and Germany, has announced plans to reinstate UN-backed sanctions on Iran amid concerns over its nuclear programme. The three European powers, collectively known as the E3, are seeking to reimpose sweeping restrictions after efforts to restart diplomatic talks over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions stalled. Iran maintains its programme is for peaceful purposes, but it has enriched uranium beyond civil nuclear power limits, breaching the 2015 deal with western nations.
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The E3 has formally notified the UN of its intentions, beginning a 30-day period in which they hope Iran will agree to step back its nuclear activities. Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasised that the UK had “no choice” but to act, citing Iran’s repeated non-compliance. In a joint statement with French and German counterparts, he stated that Iran’s nuclear activities posed a “clear and deliberate” threat to international peace and security, with uranium stockpiles now significantly exceeding the JCPOA limit.
The snapback mechanism, if not addressed by Iran or the UN Security Council within 30 days, will automatically reinstate sanctions and other restrictive measures. The E3 officials stressed that while the sanctions are necessary, the door remains open for Tehran to return to serious negotiations. They also highlighted past diplomatic efforts, including a 2022 deal proposal and a recent offer to extend sanctions relief, all of which Iran failed to meet.
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The move is expected to strain relations further with Tehran, already tense following Israel’s 12-day conflict targeting Iranian nuclear sites earlier this year. The UK Government indicated that the sanctions were being revived for three main reasons: Iran’s significant non-compliance, its status as the only non-nuclear weapons state producing highly enriched uranium, and insufficient diplomatic engagement. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel warned that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon, supporting the necessity of the snapback process.
