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PARIS (Reuters) – France has signaled its readiness to reinstate United Nations sanctions against Iran should ongoing negotiations regarding its nuclear program fail. This assertion was made by the French foreign minister during a recent U.N. Security Council meeting.
The “E3” nations—France, Britain, and Germany—are co-signatories to the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran, which is set to expire in October. These countries possess the authority to invoke a mechanism known as “snapback,” allowing them to reinstate sanctions via the Security Council.
Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the urgency of the situation, asserting that if the interests of European security are not assured after the deal’s expiration, the reprisal of previously lifted sanctions will be immediate. “We will not hesitate for a single second to reapply all the sanctions that were lifted 10 years ago,” he stated.
Amidst these tensions, discussions have been ongoing between Iran and the United States, which withdrew from the 2015 agreement and reinstated its own sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about forging a new agreement aimed at restricting Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities, despite Iran maintaining that its program is intended exclusively for civilian purposes.
Recent diplomatic communications suggest that the E3 may aim to activate the snapback mechanism by August, rather than June, should substantial progress remain elusive. The critical window for action concludes on October 18.
Barrot warned of severe economic repercussions for Iran if sanctions are reinstated, claiming that they would effectively sever the country’s access to technology, investment, and European markets. “This is not what we want,” he remarked, urging Iran to make decisive choices to avert a crisis.
In a potential move towards resolution, Iran has suggested a meeting with E3 officials, possibly in Rome this Friday, contingent on the resumption of U.S. talks. However, diplomats noted that the E3 has yet to formally respond to this proposal.
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