France, Germany, and the UK have reluctantly decided to maintain certain sanctions against Iran, citing the country’s alleged “severe non-compliance” with the 2015 nuclear pact. The three European countries, known as the ‘E3′, had initially pledged to lift the penalties by late 2023 as part of the deal. However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the E3 spokesperson announced their intention to backtrack on their commitments, claiming that Iran has consistently violated the nuclear agreement since 2019.
The joint statement from the E3 highlighted their determination to uphold nuclear proliferation-related measures and arms and missile embargoes on Iran. They further claimed that they had made numerous attempts to address Iran’s non-compliance through the dispute resolution mechanism outlined in the nuclear deal. However, Tehran has apparently rejected opportunities to return to the JCPOA and has even expanded its nuclear program beyond the agreed limitations.
While the nuclear pact imposed strict limits on Iran’s nuclear power program, including restrictions on enriched uranium storage, it also included provisions for sanctions relief. Iranian officials argue that they are no longer bound by these rules because of the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the agreement in 2018. Former President Donald Trump’s decision to reimpose and expand sanctions violated the core US commitment under the JCPOA. Consequently, Iran has gradually increased its nuclear activities, surpassing the agreed uranium enrichment limits.
Despite engaging in talks with the US and European counterparts since 2021, negotiations have reached a stalemate. Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and demands that the other signatories uphold their promise of providing sanctions relief before Iran resumes compliance with the nuclear deal.
