UK, France and Germany have launched the process to restore major UN sanctions on Iran, using the 2015 nuclear deal’s “snapback” mechanism. The move could reimpose sanctions within 30 days unless Iran shifts course.

The three countries said Iran has failed to meet its commitments under the 2015 accord and accused Tehran of deliberately breaching limits by stockpiling highly enriched uranium with “no civilian justification.” They warned that Iran’s nuclear program poses “a clear threat to international peace and security.”

Iran denounced the step as a “provocative escalation” that would undermine its work with the International Atomic Energy Agency. It insisted its program is peaceful and promised to respond appropriately, while also expressing readiness for further talks.

The 2015 deal had lifted crippling sanctions in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear program, but collapsed after Donald Trump withdrew the US in 2018 and reimposed sanctions.

The E3 letter to the UN Security Council sets a 30-day deadline to decide whether sanctions relief will continue. Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Iran had made “no substantive effort” to address concerns. The US welcomed the move, saying it remains open to direct talks with Tehran to find a lasting resolution.