Europeans trigger procedure for sanctions against Iran

In the dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme, Germany, France and the United Kingdom triggered the so-called snapback mechanism on 28 August 2025. This sets in motion a 30-day process at the end of which all UN sanctions against Iran are likely to be reinstated, regardless of possible vetoes in the Security Council. The move follows Tehran’s continued breaches of the international nuclear agreement.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Iran to enter into new negotiations immediately after the mechanism was triggered. Germany, France and the United Kingdom remained ready for diplomatic dialogue with Tehran, Wadephul said. “We firmly believe that diplomacy does not end here. It can and should continue. But Iran must act now.”

What is the snapback mechanism?

The snapback mechanism is a key instrument of the nuclear agreement concluded in 2015 (JCPOA). Under the JCPOA, Iran committed to curbing its nuclear programme and allowing international inspections. In return, international sanctions that had severely burdened Iran’s economy were eased. However, in 2018 US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal and re-imposed tough punitive measures. The snapback mechanism allows the signatories – such as Germany, France and the UK – to re-activate earlier UN sanctions in the event of serious Iranian breaches, without Russia or China being able to block the move with a veto. Crucially, the mechanism is valid for only 10 years. It will lapse on 18 October 2025 if it has not been invoked by then.

Reasons for activation

The Europeans accuse Iran of persistent violations of the nuclear agreement – in particular the enrichment of uranium to almost weapons-grade levels of up to 60 per cent, as well as a lack of transparency in cooperation with IAEA inspections. Talks in July and August showed no sufficient willingness on Tehran’s part to return to constructive negotiations.

Possible consequences for Iran

If no resolution is reached within 30 days, sanctions that were in force between 2006 and 2010 will automatically be reimposed. These include a comprehensive arms embargo, bans on uranium enrichment and extensive financial sanctions. Economically, this will hit Iran hard. The population is already suffering from inflation, currency volatility and loss of purchasing power. At the same time, pressure will increase on international companies and states to withdraw from doing business with Iran.

Despite this decision, Germany, France and the United Kingdom continue to signal a willingness to engage in dialogue – providing Iran acts swiftly and credibly, especially in cooperation with the IAEA and with a view to new nuclear negotiations.

Human rights in focus

Irrespective of the nuclear issue, numerous EU sanctions against Iran have been in place since 2011 due to serious human rights violations. After the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022 and the violent suppression of protests, these sanctions were significantly tightened. Today more than 230 individuals and over 40 organisations feature on the sanctions lists – among them ministers, members of the Revolutionary Guard, police commanders, prison directors, as well as state media outlets and authorities. The sanctions include travel bans, asset freezes and export restrictions on repressive technologies. The EU condemns arbitrary arrests, torture, death sentences against demonstrators, and the systematic discrimination of women and girls.