The E3 nations—Britain, France, and Germany—are preparing to activate the United Nations "snapback" sanctions mechanism against Iran as early as Thursday, August 29, 2025. This action follows reported violations of the 2015 nuclear deal, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The decision comes after Iran's failure to comply with key elements of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was designed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The E3 nations have expressed increasing concern over Iran's uranium enrichment activities, which have surpassed the agreed-upon limits.
The JCPOA was initially brokered in 2015, and the snapback provision allows any signatory to reimpose sanctions if they believe Iran is not adhering to the agreement. This move marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the E3 countries, which have been working to salvage the nuclear deal amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
Should the snapback sanctions be enacted, they could lead to a new wave of economic restrictions on Iran, potentially affecting its oil exports and international trade. The ramifications of this decision could reverberate across the region, impacting global energy markets and diplomatic relations. For more context on recent developments in international relations, see our earlier coverage on Uzbekistan's military ties with Israel.
