Europe threatens to reinstate sanctions on Iran if nuclear negotiations do not resume

In a notable diplomatic escalation, France, Germany, and Britain – known as the "European Troika" – informed the United Nations of their readiness to reimpose sanctions on Iran unless Tehran engages in serious negotiations regarding its nuclear program before the end of August.

The Financial Times reported yesterday, citing an official message it reviewed, that the foreign ministers of the three countries issued a direct warning to Iran, confirming that the option to "activate the sanctions reimposition mechanism" is strongly on the table if a diplomatic solution is not reached in the specified time or if Iran does not take advantage of the proposed extension.

The message submitted to the United Nations stated: "We have made it clear that if Iran is not prepared to reach a diplomatic solution before the end of August 2025, or does not seize the opportunity of the extension, the group of three European countries is ready to activate the sanctions reimposition mechanism."

This warning comes after a direct meeting described as "frank, serious, and detailed" between the European Troika and Iranian officials in Istanbul last month, marking the first such meeting since the airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iranian nuclear sites.

This European escalation reflects growing international concern about Iran's nuclear program and brings to the forefront the old tensions between Tehran and the West, amid increasing calls to return to compliance with the nuclear agreement from which the United States withdrew in 2018.