This week, after the European powers initiated the process to reimpose sanctions, a senior Iranian official called the move an "existential threat." More than two months have passed since the 12-day war erupted between Iran and Israel. Nuclear negotiations remain stalled after Iranian intransigence led to deadlock and ultimately to the military confrontation.
On Thursday, the European powers (the E3 countries) intensified the pressure, beginning the process of restoring major U.N. sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. The sanctions could return in 30 days. A senior Iranian official called this move an “existential threat,” and given the current situation, the possibility of renewed military confrontation cannot be ruled out.
The foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain had reiterated that they were prepared to activate the “snapback mechanism” by the end of the month—but left Iran the option to delay the deadline if it seriously returned to the negotiating table.
“We made clear that if Iran is not prepared to reach a diplomatic solution by the end of August, or doesn’t utilize the opportunity for extension, we will be prepared to activate the snapback mechanism,” they wrote in a letter sent to the U.N. secretary-general. (Read More)
