Overview

• European Union foreign ministers have agreed to trigger the 2015 deal’s snapback mechanism on August 29 if Iran does not take verifiable steps to curb enrichment and restore IAEA inspections.
• The snapback clause will automatically reinstate all UN Security Council sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal within 30 days, including global embargos on arms, banking and nuclear equipment.
• EU officials aim to have sanctions fully reinstated by mid-October to maintain pressure before Russia assumes the Security Council presidency.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that activating snapback would end Europe’s role as mediator and permanently damage ties with Britain, France and Germany.
• Tehran has threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and expel European envoys in response to any move to reimpose UN sanctions.