France sets August deadline for Iran to comply with nuclear deal

European countries could reinstate sanctions lifted a decade ago against Iran if Tehran fails to provide credible and verifiable guarantees of its commitment to the nuclear deal, French Foreign Trade Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said.

"France and its partners have full rights to reimpose the comprehensive embargo on arms transfers, banking services, and nuclear-related equipment that was lifted ten years ago. Without firm, tangible, and verifiable commitments from Iran, we will do so no later than the end of August," Barrot stated upon arriving at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The minister also called for the immediate release of French citizens held in Iranian prisons and urged the resumption of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections at Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“It is necessary to revive the diplomatic process to reach a settlement and agree on a framework for Iran’s nuclear and missile programs,” he added.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (U.S., UK, France, Russia, China, Germany), limited Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The U.S. withdrawal in 2018 under President Donald Trump led to reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to resume uranium enrichment beyond JCPOA limits.

Efforts to revive the deal stalled in 2022, and tensions escalated in 2025 due to military actions. On June 13, Israel launched a surprise air campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan), killing senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with missile barrages on Israel, killing 28 and causing damage in Tel Aviv.

On June 22, the U.S. joined Israel’s campaign with Operation Midnight Hammer, deploying B-2 Spirit bombers and Tomahawk missiles to strike the same nuclear sites, dropping 14 GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator “bunker buster” bombs. President Trump claimed the strikes “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, though conflicting reports emerged.en.wikipedia.org

On June 24, a fragile ceasefire was brokered, but Iran launched a missile attack on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, causing no injuries but signaling retaliation.

In early July, Iran confirmed its intent to resume nuclear talks with the U.S. in Norway by late July, seeking guarantees against further strikes.

 By Khagan Isayev