France, UK, Germany Threaten to Reimpose Sanctions on Iran Without Nuclear Deal Progress
Tensions between Iran and Western powers have escalated as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany—collectively known as the E3—have warned they may reimpose sanctions on Tehran if there is no significant progress on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
In a joint statement issued this week, the E3 expressed deep concern over Iran’s continued violations of the JCPOA and its rapid advancement in nuclear enrichment. The three European nations emphasized that Iran’s recent nuclear activities—including enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels and limiting access for international inspectors—are in direct breach of its obligations under the original agreement. They warned that without immediate corrective measures, they will begin the process of reinstating UN sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 deal.
The JCPOA, signed between Iran and six world powers (the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China), aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from international sanctions. However, the deal collapsed after the U.S. withdrew from it in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump and reimposed harsh sanctions on Iran. In response, Iran gradually scaled back its commitments and ramped up uranium enrichment, claiming it was retaliating against Western non-compliance.
Since then, efforts to revive the agreement have been stalled. The Biden administration has expressed willingness to return to the deal if Iran also returns to compliance, but talks in Vienna and Doha have yielded little progress. Meanwhile, Iran has steadily increased its stockpile of enriched uranium, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly raised alarms over Tehran’s lack of transparency and cooperation.
The E3’s threat comes amid increasing frustration over Iran’s refusal to re-engage constructively. In their statement, they cited Iran’s failure to respond to diplomatic overtures, its continued nuclear escalation, and its support for regional proxy groups, which have heightened tensions across the Middle East. The European powers also noted that the dispute resolution mechanism built into the JCPOA could be activated, potentially leading to a “snapback” of UN sanctions—a move that would further isolate Iran economically and diplomatically.
Iran, for its part, has dismissed the E3’s warnings as politically motivated and accused the West of double standards. Iranian officials argue that the E3 and the U.S. have not fulfilled their end of the bargain, particularly in terms of sanctions relief. They also insist that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and within its rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The situation presents a significant diplomatic challenge. If sanctions are reimposed, it could close the door to future negotiations and increase the risk of military confrontation. Israel has already threatened unilateral action if Iran continues to approach nuclear weapons capability, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
In the coming weeks, the international community will closely watch Tehran’s next moves. The E3 have left the door open for diplomacy but made it clear that time is running out. Without concrete progress, the threat of renewed sanctions looms large—and with it, the potential collapse of what remains of the nuclear accord.