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Iran and the E3 countries—France, the United Kingdom, and Germany—are set to resume nuclear negotiations ahead of a looming deadline. If Iran’s nuclear program is no longer under credible international monitoring, it poses a serious risk of proliferation. Tehran insists it does not seek nuclear weapons in response to Western and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accusations, although it has enriched uranium to near bomb-grade.
The next Iran-E3 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva, according to Iran state-affiliated Tasnim news agency. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the snapback mechanism would be “legally baseless, morally unjustified, and carry serious consequences” during a call with E3 counterparts. European diplomats are considering a brief extension before triggering the snapback sanctions, contingent on Iran committing to renewed diplomacy and nuclear monitoring.
Tehran suspended cooperation with the IAEA after coordinated Israeli and U.S. airstrikes that hit several of its nuclear sites in June. The IAEA has raised alarm over the fate of more than 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent—close to weapons grade.
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Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), any party can invoke the snapback provision if Iran is deemed in significant violation of its nuclear commitments. The snapback mechanism ensures swift reimposition of U.N. sanctions without a veto risk by Security Council members. Once triggered, it sets in motion a 30-day period during which the Security Council must decide to continue or automatically restore sanctions. Unlike the normal veto process, a Security Council veto here maintains rather than blocks sanctions.
The sanctions include arms embargoes, limits on nuclear and missile-related technology, restrictions on access to international financial systems, and curbs on oil trade. Experts warn that reimposing these would deepen Iran’s isolation, risk unraveling the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and further destabilize a region already under strain from conflicts.
Iran has turned to Russia and China for support against Western pressure. Both countries have said they oppose potential European moves. “Their willingness—or refusal—to enforce UN restrictions will be a key determinant of whether the sanctions effectively isolate Iran or merely shift its oil exports toward non-Western markets, blunting the intended economic pressure,” noted Rasanah in July.
Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani said: “The behavior of the Europeans is clear—what they are doing requires no assessment and is more obvious than the sun. They are carrying out a part of America’s operation, but there is disagreement on this matter…From the perspective of observing international law, the scene is utterly tragic.”
China’s Foreign Ministry stated: “China hopes that relevant parties will remain committed to resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through political and diplomatic means and actively create conditions for the early resumption of dialogue and negotiations.”
European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas wrote on X: “Europe is committed to a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue. With the deadline for the snapback mechanism fast approaching, Iran’s readiness to engage with the U.S. is crucial. Iran must also fully cooperate with the @iaeaorg.”
