France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have begun a process under United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. The three countries, collectively known as the E3, cited what they describe as Iran’s “significant non-performance” of its nuclear commitments as the basis for initiating this action.
According to the E3, although they could have started this process at any point since 2019, they chose first to engage in intensive outreach and diplomatic efforts with Iran in hopes of finding a peaceful solution to concerns about Iran's nuclear program.
The United States has expressed support for the actions taken by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. “The United States appreciates the leadership of our E3 allies in this effort. Over the coming weeks, we will work with them and other Members of the UN Security Council to successfully complete the snapback of international sanctions and restrictions on Iran, as the President instructed in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2,” according to a statement from U.S. officials.
The statement also indicated that while these steps are being taken, the United States remains open to direct engagement with Iran in pursuit of a peaceful resolution regarding its nuclear activities. “At the same time, the United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran – in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue. Snapback does not contradict our earnest readiness for diplomacy, it only enhances it. I urge Iranian leaders to take the immediate steps necessary to ensure that their nation will never obtain a nuclear weapon; to walk the path of peace; and to, by extension, advance prosperity for the Iranian people.”
This development follows ongoing concerns over Iran’s compliance with international agreements related to its nuclear program.
