European powers Britain, France, and Germany triggered a 30-day countdown to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran this week, escalating tensions over Tehran's nuclear program. The move follows months of stalled diplomacy and comes two months after Israel and the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.
Iranian officials swiftly condemned the decision, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi calling it "illegal and unjustified," while Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned of ending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if sanctions return. Tehran insists its nuclear activities comply with international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The E3 group defended its activation of the "snapback mechanism," citing insufficient progress in recent Geneva talks to revive a nuclear deal. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio endorsed the move but reiterated openness to direct negotiations. The UN urged all parties to use the 30-day window to avoid further escalation, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson emphasizing the need for "a peaceful, enduring resolution."
Analysts warn that renewed sanctions could push Iran to withdraw from the NPT entirely, deepening regional instability. The UN Security Council will hold closed-door discussions on Friday to address the crisis.
