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Foreign ministers

E3 Countries and EU Inform Iran of Intent to Revoke Sanctions Relief

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Iran's foreign minister was informed on Thursday by the three European countries of France, Britain and Germany, collectively known as the E3, along with the European Union (EU), of their intention to reinstate international sanctions on Tehran. This decision is based on the "snapback" clause of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which allows the other parties to reimpose international sanctions if Iran fails to comply with the deal. Despite the European countries' readiness to find a diplomatic solution, Iran's foreign minister responded that the move is "unjustified, illegal and failing to have any legal basis."

Key Takeaways:

  • The E3 countries (France, Britain, and Germany) and the EU have informed Iran of their intention to reinstate sanctions on Tehran, citing the "snapback" clause of the JCPOA.
  • The "snapback" clause allows the other parties to reimpose international sanctions if Iran fails to comply with the deal.
  • Iran's foreign minister responded by stating that the move is "unjustified, illegal and failing to have any legal basis."
  • Iran had committed to remaining committed to diplomacy for the resolution of nuclear issues, pointing out the European countries' responsibility in addressing their differences.
  • U.S. online media outlet Axios reported that France, Germany, and Britain had sent a letter to members of the UNSC announcing their intention to reimpose sanctions on Iran.
  • The international sanctions on Iran had been suspended under the JCPOA, and Iran signed the agreement in July 2015.
  • The United States withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments.

Statistics:

  • The E3 countries and EU notified Iran of their intention to reinstate sanctions on August 28, 2025.
  • The international sanctions on Iran had been suspended for about 6 years after the JCPOA was signed in July 2015.
  • The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018.
  • Iran scaled back some of its nuclear commitments in response to the reinstated sanctions.

Sources:

  • Xinhua via COMTEX
  • Axios
  • XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

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