The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have decided to notify the United Nations Security Council that they believe Iran is in significant non-performance of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA). This notification initiates the snapback mechanism, which opens a 30-day period before the possible reestablishment of previously terminated UN Security Council resolutions. The move is a stark reminder of the escalating tensions between Iran and the Western powers over Tehran's nuclear program.
The JCPoA was hailed as a major achievement in non-proliferation when it was endorsed by the UN Security Council in 2015. However, since the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018, France, Germany, and the UK have remained committed to preserving the deal. Despite Iran's efforts to circumvent its commitments, including exceeding limits on enriched uranium and heavy water, and restricting the IAEA's ability to conduct verification and monitoring activities, the E3 has continued to engage with Tehran through diplomatic channels.
"We consistently undertook intensive diplomatic efforts to deescalate tensions and to bring Iran and the United States to the negotiating table for a comprehensive negotiated solution," said a spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office. "We acted in good faith to preserve the JCPoA, while preserving its framework and seeking a way to resolve the impasse through constructive dialogue."
The E3's efforts have been met with skepticism by Iran, which has refused to accept proposals from the UN JCPoA Coordinator. Despite this, the UK, France, and Germany remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis through diplomacy.
In recent months, tensions between Iran and the Western powers have escalated over Tehran's nuclear program. In July 2025, the E3 put forward an offer for the extension of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and its snapback mechanism. However, Iran has yet to meet the requirements set out in exchange for this extension, including the resumption of negotiations and compliance with IAEA obligations.
The situation is increasingly urgent, as Iran's non-compliance with the JCPoA threatens international peace and security. The country's high enriched uranium stockpile, which now exceeds nine significant quantities, is also unaccounted for by the IAEA. This raises serious concerns about Iran's nuclear program and its potential use of nuclear technology.
As a result of Iran's actions, France, Germany, and the UK have decided to initiate the snapback mechanism. The 30-day period provides an opportunity for diplomatic efforts to be rekindled and for a comprehensive negotiated solution to be reached. However, if the UN Security Council fails to adopt a resolution within this timeframe, six security council resolutions, including those related to sanctions, will be restored.
The situation is precarious, and the international community must come together to address the crisis. The Iran nuclear deal has been a cornerstone of non-proliferation efforts for over a decade, and its collapse would have devastating consequences for global security.
"We urge all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and to seek a peaceful resolution to this crisis," said a spokesperson for the European Union. "The international community must come together to address this challenge and to ensure that Iran's nuclear program is brought under control."
The fate of the Iran nuclear deal hangs in the balance, and the world watches with bated breath as the situation unfolds. Will diplomacy prevail, or will the crisis spiral out of control? Only time will tell.