The Japan Times - Europe powers move to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran over nuclear drive

The three countries notified the UN Security Council that they "believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments" under a 2015 nuclear deal, according to a letter seen by AFP.

Their foreign ministers said they "hereby invoke the process known as the 'snapback' mechanism," which initiates a 30-day process for reimposing sanctions suspended a decade ago.

The move comes just over two months after the end of a 12-day war between Israel and Iran which Israel said was aimed at degrading Tehran's nuclear as well as ballistics capabilities.

It also comes as the window for triggering the so-called snapback mechanism closes on October 18.

Western powers have for two decades feared that Iran is seeking a nuclear weapon under the guise of an atomic energy programme, a charge vehemently denied by Tehran.

Iran has previously warned that cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog would be affected if the mechanism was triggered.

In a joint statement, British Foreign Minister David Lammy, Germany's top diplomat Johann Wadephul and French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot said that Iran's non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal was "clear and deliberate".

They said Iran has "no civilian justification" for its high enriched uranium stockpile.

"Its nuclear programme therefore remains a clear threat to international peace and security," they added.

Barrot wrote on X that "Iran's nuclear escalation must not go any further" but emphasised the move "does not signal the end of diplomacy".

He noted there is now a 30-day period where talks can take place, adding "we are determined... to engage in dialogue with Iran".

The 2015 nuclear treaty was aimed at resolving the standoff over the Islamic republic's nuclear programme.

But it was badly weakened when US President Donald Trump left the accord during his first mandate, and as accusations of Iranian non-compliance escalated.

K.Nakajima--JT