German, UK, French ministers hold nuclear talks with Iran

Germany has reiterated that the next move lies with Iran following renewed discussions between European powers and Tehran over the future of the nuclear deal. The statement came after officials from the UK, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3—held phone talks with Iranian representatives on Wednesday to address the stalled negotiations.

Snapback Sanctions Loom

The talks followed last month’s decision by the E3 to trigger a 30-day deadline for the potential reimposition of so-called “snapback” sanctions on Iran. Under the terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement, these sanctions—originally lifted as part of the deal—can be automatically reinstated if signatories believe Tehran is not meeting its obligations. Unless a compromise is reached within this window, sanctions targeting Iran’s economy, banking system, and oil exports could return in full force.

A spokesperson for Germany’s foreign ministry emphasized that the European proposal to delay the snapback process remains open, but only if Tehran meets specific conditions. “The offer to discuss a temporary extension of the snapback if Iran fulfills certain conditions remains on the table,” the spokesperson said, while noting that “at this point the steps taken by Iran have not been sufficient.”

Pressure Mounts on Tehran

The E3 powers argue that Iran has failed to scale back nuclear enrichment activities that exceed the limits of the original accord. In recent years, Tehran has expanded uranium enrichment well beyond agreed thresholds, citing the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the deal in 2018 as justification. The international community, however, remains concerned that these advances could shorten Iran’s “breakout time” to potentially develop nuclear weapons, though Tehran insists its program is purely for civilian use.

European officials say they are seeking a diplomatic path forward but warn that time is running out. By keeping the option of a temporary extension open, the E3 hope to pressure Tehran into immediate concessions while avoiding an abrupt collapse of the framework that has kept the program partially in check.

What This Means for the Nuclear Deal

The coming weeks are likely to prove decisive. If Iran refuses to make adjustments, sanctions could snap back, further isolating its economy and deepening tensions with the West. For European governments, the goal remains to preserve what is left of the nuclear agreement while maintaining leverage to bring Iran back into compliance.

Germany’s statement underscores that the initiative rests with Tehran. Unless Iran takes steps seen as meaningful by the E3, the chances of averting renewed sanctions appear increasingly slim.