Nuclear diplomacy: Nuclear dispute: Sanction step against Iran should be imminent

Germany, France and Great Britain could trigger the mechanism to reintroduce atomic sanctions against Iran on Thursday. This process is to be started in the UN Security Council in New York if Iran should not give in at the last minute, as the German Press Agency found out. The background is therefore a lack of progress in the nuclear discussions with Tehran.

With this so-called snapback mechanism, old UN sanctions such as the general weapon embargo and numerous punitive measures against Iranian people and organizations can be put back into force.

The three European countries – also known as E3 – had threatened with such a step if the Islamic Republic was not a diplomatic solution to the dispute over the Iranian nuclear program until the end of August. Western states are concerned that Iran strives for nuclear weapons. Tehran rejects this accusation.

No breakthrough in conversations in Geneva

The recent round of talks in Geneva between high -ranking diplomats of the E3 and Iran did not make a breakthrough on Tuesday, as was said from diplomatic circles.

Iran had promised to restrict its nuclear program in 2015 as part of an atomic agreement to the E3, the United States, Russia and China. In return, sanctions were negotiated. After the United States exit from the pact in 2018, Tehran no longer adheres to his obligations.

The Snapback mechanism to reintroduce sanctions is also intended in the agreement. This should now be triggered. According to this, the punitive measures take effect after 30 days if Tehran should not give in until then.