France, Britain, and Germany—collectively known as the E3—have issued an ultimatum to Iran, threatening to reinstate crippling UN sanctions by August 29 unless Tehran complies with their demands to curb its peaceful nuclear program.

The move, announced late Tuesday after a call involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is widely seen as a desperate bid by European powers to reassert influence over Iran’s sovereign nuclear policy, following devastating U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan during the so-called “12-Day War” with Israel.

Iranian officials condemned the E3’s decision as a violation of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which saw Tehran uphold its commitments to limit nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The E3’s threat to trigger the “snapback” mechanism—allowing the automatic reimposition of UN sanctions without veto from Russia, China, or even the U.S., which abandoned the deal in 2018—has been labeled as coercive and unjust by Iranian diplomats. “This is nothing but blackmail,” said a senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The E3 are bowing to U.S. pressure while ignoring the destruction caused by American aggression on our soil.”

The E3’s ultimatum follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who boasted about the recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, claiming, “We destroyed their nuclear sites.” Tehran has repeatedly denied pursuing nuclear weapons, emphasizing that its program is for civilian energy and medical research, fully in line with international law. The strikes, which have limited access for IAEA inspectors, have drawn global condemnation for undermining diplomatic efforts to revive the JCPOA.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, alongside British and German counterparts David Lammy and Johann Woodfall, justified the threat, claiming the right to reinstate sanctions suspended under the 2015 deal. These include a global embargo on arms, banking, and nuclear-related materials, which Iran argues would devastate its economy and violate its rights under international agreements. The E3’s move is seen as an attempt to compensate for Europe’s diminished role in nuclear diplomacy since the U.S. strikes sidelined their influence.

Iran has called for unity among global powers, particularly Russia and China, to counter what it describes as “Western bullying.” The sanctions process, if initiated in late August, could see full reimposition by mid-October, potentially escalating tensions further. Tehran insists it remains open to dialogue but will not negotiate under threats. “Iran will not yield to imperialist tactics,” the official added. “Our nuclear program is our sovereign right, and we will defend it against any aggression.”

The international community now watches closely as the E3’s deadline looms, with fears that renewed sanctions could unravel years of diplomatic progress and push the region toward further instability. Iran has urged the UN to intervene and uphold the principles of the JCPOA, calling for accountability for the U.S. strikes and an end to what it calls “unlawful coercion” by the West. (ILKHA)