The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have warned Iran that they may bring back United Nations (UN) sanctions by the end of August if Iran doesn’t show progress in restarting the 2015 nuclear deal.
What’s the issue?
Iran’s nuclear program is causing serious concern. The three European countries—who were part of the original 2015 deal—recently met at Germany’s UN office in New York to decide their next steps. Meanwhile, the U.S. Secretary of State also discussed the matter in a phone call with European leaders. All parties agreed that Iran must not be allowed to build or get nuclear weapons.
Background on the nuclear deal
In 2015, Iran agreed to reduce its nuclear activities in return for sanctions being lifted. But in 2018, the U.S. under President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal, calling it weak. Since then, tensions have increased.
The original agreement has a rule called a “snapback” provision. This allows any participating country to reapply UN sanctions if Iran breaks the rules.
Read more: UK Inflation Hits 18-Month High, Putting Pressure on New Government
What the European countries are saying
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that unless Iran makes a clear and verifiable commitment to return to the deal by the end of August, sanctions that were lifted 10 years ago will be brought back.
What Iran wants
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran is open to talks, but only if they get a guarantee that no future attacks—like the recent ones by the U.S. and Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities—will happen again.
He said these attacks have made it harder to find a peaceful solution. Iran has also stopped cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the global nuclear watchdog.
Also See: Trade Deal: India Cautious About Trump’s New Trade Tariffs, Waiting to See Impact
Current situation
Talks between the U.S. and Iran had been happening earlier this year, but recent Israeli strikes disrupted the process. Although new talks are expected, no date has been confirmed.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian also claimed that the U.S. airstrikes damaged important nuclear sites badly. Because of these tensions, Iran has not responded to the European threat of bringing back UN sanctions.
Also See: Iran Confirms Major Damage at Nuclear Sites After US Airstrikes: May Cut Ties with IAEA
Still, Iranian officials say they are open to diplomacy, and the “doors of diplomacy will never slam shut.
