France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have begun a process under United Nations Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. This action follows what the three countries, known as the E3, describe as Iran’s “significant non-performance” of its nuclear commitments.
According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the E3 made their case based on ongoing concerns about Iran's compliance with nuclear agreements. The statement notes that while the E3 could have started this process since 2019, they instead chose to engage in diplomatic efforts first. These efforts aimed to offer Iran a diplomatic alternative to escalating its nuclear activities.
Rubio expressed appreciation for the leadership shown by France, Germany, and the UK in taking this step. He said: “The United States appreciates the leadership of our E3 allies in this effort. Over the coming weeks, we will work with them and other Members of the UN Security Council to successfully complete the snapback of international sanctions and restrictions on Iran, as the President instructed in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2.”
Rubio also indicated that despite moving forward with sanctions reinstatement, direct engagement with Iran remains possible. “At the same time, the United States remains available for direct engagement with Iran – in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue. Snapback does not contradict our earnest readiness for diplomacy, it only enhances it. I urge Iranian leaders to take the immediate steps necessary to ensure that their nation will never obtain a nuclear weapon; to walk the path of peace; and to, by extension, advance prosperity for the Iranian people.”
The snapback mechanism allows UN member states involved in an agreement with Iran over its nuclear program to restore previous sanctions if there is evidence of non-compliance.