Europe Sets Deadline for Iran Nuclear Agreement, Sanctions Imminent

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening to reimpose sanctions if Tehran’s nuclear programme jeopardises European security.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot made the remarks at the United Nations on Monday after a closed-door Security Council meeting on non-proliferation.

“Iran has crossed all the boundaries it had committed to respect,” Barrot said, hinting that the country is now “on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons.”

He emphasised the need for diplomacy, stating that while there is no military solution, a “narrow road” to resolution remains through negotiations.

Barrot also expressed hope that the ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington would lead to an agreement, with France, Germany, and the UK working closely with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to find a path forward.

The high-level discussions aim to secure a deal that prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons — a goal Tehran denies pursuing — in exchange for sanctions relief.

The 2015 nuclear agreement, from which US President Donald Trump withdrew, set limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.

However, tensions have risen as Iran has continued to enrich uranium beyond the deal’s agreed-upon limits.

Barrot warned that if European security interests were not protected when the current deal expires, the three European nations would not hesitate to reinstate sanctions that had been lifted under the accord.

The “snapback” mechanism within the 2015 agreement, which allows the automatic reimposition of UN sanctions for non-compliance, is set to expire in October.

Barrot urged Iran to take the necessary actions to prevent further escalation, as sanctions would have “devastating effects” on the country’s economy.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi, speaking alongside Barrot, echoed the urgency of reaching an agreement. “It’s not a matter of months or years; it’s perhaps a matter of weeks,” Grossi said, emphasising the need for a feasible deal to avoid military conflict.