Britain, France and Germany, collectively known as the E3, have formally triggered the “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran. The move, announced on Thursday, follows Iran’s alleged non-compliance with the nuclear deal, as referenced in UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
The E3 informed the Security Council of Iran’s significant non-performance of its JCPOA obligations, citing breaches such as stockpiling enriched uranium beyond permitted limits, restricting International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring, and abandoning the Additional Protocol to its Safeguards Agreement.
The mechanism sets a 30-day countdown that will automatically restore sanctions lifted under the 2015 accord unless the Council adopts a resolution to continue sanctions relief, an outcome considered unlikely due to the process’s design, which prevents vetoes by permanent members.
The decision comes after years of efforts by the E3 to preserve the JCPOA following the United States’ withdrawal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump.
Iran gradually scaled back its commitments from 2019, accelerating its nuclear program and enriching uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels. Tensions rose further in July 2025 when Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA after US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz. Earlier this month, the E3 had warned Tehran that failure to resume diplomacy or accept an extension of Resolution 2231 would trigger the snapback.
If enforced, the restored sanctions would reimpose restrictions on Iran’s arms transfers, missile development and nuclear enrichment, alongside asset freezes and travel bans on designated individuals. The rial fell sharply on Thursday, trading at over one million to the US dollar, reflecting renewed economic pressure.
In a joint statement, the E3 reaffirmed their commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while leaving the door open to diplomacy during the 30-day window. With the mechanism due to expire on October 18, 2025, the process faces opposition from Iran, Russia and China, leaving the Security Council divided.