Iran, Europeans meet in Geneva as sanctions threat looms

France, Britain, and Germany (the E3) met with Iran to try to revive diplomacy over Tehran’s nuclear program before they lose the ability to reimpose UN sanctions. The E3 is prepared to trigger a “snapback” of sanctions, citing Iran’s alleged violations of the 2015 nuclear deal, but may delay if Iran allows UN inspections and engages in broader talks, including with the U.S.
The UN Security Council resolution that supports the deal expires on October 18, after which the E3 would lose the snapback option. Iran has warned of a harsh response if sanctions return, and tensions remain high, partly due to a June bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which Tehran blamed on the U.S. and Israel.
Talks are ongoing, but Western officials suspect Iran may be stalling. While Israel and the U.S. say their strikes targeted rapid uranium enrichment, Iran denies plans to build nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is negotiating inspection access, and its first team of inspectors has recently returned to Iran, though practical arrangements are still under discussion.
Credit: CGTN