Germany Nuclear dispute: sanctions against Iran are imminent
Germany, France and the UK could trigger the mechanism for the reintroduction of nuclear sanctions against Iran as early as this Thursday. This process is to be set in motion in the UN Security Council in New York if Iran does not give in at the last minute, as the German Press Agency has learned. The background to this is the lack of progress in the nuclear talks with Tehran.
27.08.2025, 16:44
SDA
With this so-called snapback mechanism, old UN sanctions such as the general arms embargo and numerous punitive measures against Iranian individuals and organizations can be reinstated.
The three European states - also known as the E3 - had threatened to take such a step if the Islamic Republic was not prepared to find a diplomatic solution to the dispute over Iran's nuclear program by the end of August. Western states are concerned that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons. Tehran rejects this accusation.
No breakthrough at talks in Geneva
The latest round of talks in Geneva between high-ranking diplomats from the E3 and Iran on Tuesday did not result in a breakthrough, according to diplomatic circles.
In 2015, Iran had promised the E3, the United States, Russia and China to severely restrict its nuclear program as part of a nuclear agreement. In return, sanctions relief was negotiated. Following the USA's withdrawal from the pact in 2018, Tehran is also no longer adhering to its commitments.
The agreement also provides for the snapback mechanism for the reintroduction of sanctions. This is now to be triggered. This means that the punitive measures will take effect again after 30 days if Tehran does not give in by then.
