European powers are preparing to reimpose international sanctions on Iran by the end of September, after their latest talks with Tehran failed to yield serious progress, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.
Britain, France and Germany—collectively known as the E3—triggered a 30-day process at the end of August to restore UN sanctions under the “snapback mechanism.” The European powers had offered to delay the move for up to six months, provided Tehran restored access for UN nuclear inspectors, accounted for its large stockpile of enriched uranium, and engaged in negotiations with the United States.
When asked in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 whether the reimposition of sanctions was inevitable, Macron replied: “Yes. I think so because the latest news from the Iranians is not serious.”
Iran, however, insisted it had made a constructive proposal. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Thursday that he had presented a “reasonable and actionable plan” to his E3 and EU counterparts to avert what he described as an “unnecessary and avoidable crisis.” Writing on X, Araqchi claimed the proposal addressed “genuine concerns” and would be mutually beneficial, though he did not disclose further details.
The comments followed a phone call on Wednesday between the E3, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, and Iran’s foreign minister. Diplomats from both sides acknowledged that little progress had been made but stressed that talks remained open until the deadline expires.
Meanwhile, the 15-member UN Security Council is due to vote on Friday on a resolution that would permanently lift sanctions on Iran, as required once the snapback process was triggered. Diplomats expect the resolution to fail to secure the minimum nine votes needed for passage, and even if it did, it would likely face a veto from the United States, Britain or France.
The looming snapback underscores the widening divide between Iran and Western powers as efforts to revive nuclear diplomacy falter, raising the prospect of renewed tensions in the region.
Melissa Enoch
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