Germany Joins E3 in Reinstating UN Sanctions on Iran Amid Escalating Tensions

UN Sanctions Reinstated Against Iran

In a significant diplomatic move, Germany, in coordination with France and the United Kingdom (collectively known as the E3), has successfully triggered the 'snapback' mechanism, leading to the re-imposition of United Nations sanctions against Iran. The sanctions officially came back into effect on September 28, 2025, following a 30-day process initiated by the E3 on August 28, 2025. This decision marks a critical juncture in the international efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program, which the E3 asserts has been in persistent non-compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

E3 Justifies Action Amid Iranian Non-Compliance

The E3 nations justified their decision by citing Iran's continued and significant breaches of its commitments under the JCPOA. According to official statements, Iran has exceeded all limits on its nuclear program since 2019, accumulating a highly enriched uranium stockpile that is reportedly 48 times the JCPOA limit and over 9 Significant Quantities. Furthermore, the E3 highlighted Iran's refusal to grant International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors access to its nuclear sites and its failure to account for its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The E3 had previously initiated the JCPOA's Dispute Resolution Mechanism in January 2020 in response to Iran's actions, but diplomatic efforts to bring Iran back into compliance proved unsuccessful. The snapback mechanism, a provision of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, was activated as a last resort, with the E3 emphasizing that Iran's nuclear program poses a 'clear threat to international peace and security'.

Scope of Reimposed Sanctions and Iran's 'Chilling Message'

The reinstated UN sanctions are comprehensive, restoring a sweeping set of prohibitions that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. These measures include:

• A global arms embargo, prohibiting the sale or transfer of conventional weapons to Iran.
• A complete ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing beyond agreed limits.
• Restrictions on ballistic missile development and proliferation-related activities.
• Asset freezes and travel bans on dozens of individuals and entities connected to Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

The move to trigger snapback was not without prior warnings from Tehran. On July 14, 2025, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei issued a 'chilling message' to the UK, France, and Germany, stating that if the snapback mechanism were triggered, it would 'be met with a proportionate and appropriate response'. Following the re-imposition of sanctions, Iran recalled its ambassadors to the UK, France, and Germany on September 27, 2025. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have condemned the sanctions as 'unfair, unjust and illegal', asserting Iran's right to uranium enrichment and stating that no countries are obligated to comply with the revived UN resolutions. Iran's Supreme National Security Council also announced the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA.

International Reactions and Future Outlook

The re-imposition of sanctions has deepened international divisions. While the E3 maintains its stance, Russia and China have vehemently opposed the snapback, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov calling the move 'illegitimate' and 'unlawful'. The snapback mechanism itself was designed to expire on October 18, 2025, making the E3's action a timely intervention to prevent the permanent lapse of these international restrictions. The current situation leaves the future of the JCPOA in further uncertainty, with heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing diplomatic challenges for a lasting resolution to Iran's nuclear ambitions.