The European "E3" – France, Germany and the United Kingdom – have officially triggered the reinstatement of UN sanctions against Iran. The move follows repeated violations of the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), by Tehran. Under the deal, Iran had agreed to curb its nuclear programme and allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in exchange for sanctions relief. However, over recent years, the IAEA has repeatedly reported breaches, including uranium enrichment close to weapons-grade levels. The WP Times reports, citing a post by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Х.
The reinstated sanctions include:
- Arms embargo restricting weapons deliveries to Iran,
- Asset freezes on Iranian organisations and individuals abroad,
- Travel bans for senior officials linked to the nuclear programme.
According to diplomatic sources, the European step aims to increase pressure on Tehran and force a return to serious and verifiable negotiations.
The United States welcomed the initiative. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a post on X that Washington fully supports the decision of its European partners and urged Iran to choose diplomacy to avoid deeper international isolation. RENtz reports, citing Rubio’s statement on X.
The timing is particularly significant: in late June, US forces joined Israel in striking three Iranian nuclear facilities – Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. Special bunker-busting bombs were used, as Iran had placed its facilities deep underground. Former US President Donald Trump declared that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “destroyed” as a result.
Observers warn the escalation could mark a turning point: while sanctions deepen the standoff, they also raise diplomatic pressure for renewed talks.
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