Europe moves to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran over nuclear violations

The United Kingdom, France and Germany have moved to reimpose U.N. sanctions on Iran, arguing that Tehran has broken its commitments under the 2015 nuclear accord. The so-called “snapback” procedure, triggered on Thursday, gives the Security Council 30 days before the full range of measures automatically resume.

Those restrictions were originally lifted in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear program.

How has Iran responded?

Iran’s foreign ministry denounced the European step as unlawful and said it would weaken cooperation with U.N. inspectors. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency would be halted if sanctions are revived, particularly regarding sites including Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, which Iran has resisted opening to inspectors since they were damaged in June by U.S. and Israeli strikes.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters the move was “an action against diplomacy, not a chance for it,” though he said engagement with Europe would continue. Tehran has also raised the possibility of quitting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if sanctions return.

What role are the US and other powers playing?

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced support on X for the European action, calling it “a direct response to Iran’s continuing defiance of its nuclear commitments.”

In a statement, he added that Washington remained open to “direct engagement with Iran — in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue.”

Russia and China have opposed the snapback.

Moscow circulated a draft resolution seeking to extend the 2015 agreement and delay penalties for six months.

Russian Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy warned against what he described as “diplomacy at the barrel of the gun.”

What impact could sanctions have?

If fully reimposed, the measures would once again restrict Iran’s financial sector, its energy trade and its defense industry, while banning most conventional weapons sales and targeting Revolutionary Guard–linked entities. Countries would also be required to search shipments if there is evidence of prohibited materials.

Analysts say the overall economic impact may be limited, since Iran already struggles with inflation and a weak currency while continuing to sell oil to China. Still, the sanctions could complicate global financial transactions and cause partners to act more cautiously.

What comes next?

The Security Council is expected to review the issue in a closed meeting on Friday. European diplomats have signaled that the sanctions could be deferred if Tehran quickly resumes talks and grants inspectors full access to nuclear facilities.

Meanwhile, Israel welcomed the move. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called it “an important step in the diplomatic campaign to counter the Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions.”