European officials warn Iran on looming nuclear sanctions snapback

European foreign ministers have warned that time is running out to reach a diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear program, with the deadline for the reimposition of sanctions approaching.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said he held an “important call” with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on August 22, Caliber.Az reports per X. 

“We just had an important call with our Iranian counterpart regarding the nuclear program and the sanctions against Iran that we are preparing to reapply. Time is running out. A new meeting will take place next week on this matter,” Barrot wrote.

Kallas stressed that Europe remains committed to finding a diplomatic path forward, but highlighted that Iran must show readiness to engage with Washington.

“Important call with E3 ForMins & Iran’s FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Europe is committed to a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue. With the deadline for the snapback mechanism fast approaching, Iran’s readiness to engage with the US is crucial. Iran must also fully cooperate with the IAEA,” she wrote on X.

Germany’s Wadephul echoed the urgency of the talks, noting that political directors have been instructed to meet with Iranian counterparts next week.

“We have instructed our Political Directors to meet with Iranian counterparts next week. We remain committed to diplomacy, but time is very short and Iran needs to engage substantively in order to avoid the activation of snapback. We have been clear that we will not let the snapback of sanctions expire unless there is a verifiable and durable deal,” Wadephul said.

The so-called “snapback” mechanism allows for the automatic reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran if it is found to be in significant noncompliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement.

By Sabina Mammadli