"UK warns Iran of sanctions over stalled nuclear deal resolution"

European countries will implement "severe sanctions" on Iran in the coming weeks unless it clarifies its nuclear program and allows the return of UN inspectors, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has stated.

He also told members of Parliament that Iran should not assume Israel would refrain from further strikes on its nuclear facilities.

The French foreign ministry reinforced this strong warning, collaborating closely with the UK to urge Iran to clarify its nuclear plans and resume negotiations with the US.

Though a fragile ceasefire remains between Iran, the US, and Israel, the risk of renewed conflict persists unless a diplomatic solution is found soon.

The UK, France, and Germany—the E3—originally signed the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. Under its terms, they can reimpose UN sanctions without facing a Security Council veto if they act before the agreement expires in October. Alternatively, they could propose a UN resolution to delay sanctions for several months if Iran demonstrates a willingness to negotiate.

The E3 is also using the threat of sanctions to encourage the US to rejoin talks with Iran, but so far without success. Iran has stated it will only resume discussions with the US if guaranteed that Israel will not attack during negotiations.

Speaking to a parliamentary committee, Lammy said, “Iran faces significant pressure in the coming weeks. The E3 can reapply sanctions—not just ours, but through a UN mechanism—that would severely impact nearly every sector of Iran’s economy. The choice is theirs. I am clear about what they should choose, but the UK is also prepared to act in a way that could impose even greater consequences if they do not address international concerns over their nuclear ambitions.”

Reinstated sanctions would include inspections of Iranian cargo, renewed arms embargoes, and restrictions on missile-related technology.

Lammy cautioned, “Iran’s refusal to cooperate with UN inspectors only increases doubts about its nuclear intentions,” noting that such actions violate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

While withholding judgment on Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Lammy noted that intelligence assessments were still being finalized. Regardless of any damage to Iran’s uranium stockpiles or centrifuges, he emphasized that Iran retains the knowledge to develop nuclear weapons—making a diplomatic resolution essential.

With some in Iran emboldened by Israel’s failure to destabilize the government, Lammy urged Iran to act responsibly.