The United Nations has reimposed sanctions on Iran, including a renewed arms embargo, over its nuclear program, following a process initiated by key European powers.
The move, triggered under the “snapback” mechanism, drew a sharp warning from Tehran, which vowed a harsh response while insisting it has no intention of leaving the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The sanctions were reinstated under six UN Security Council Resolutions – 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, and 1929 – in response to Iran’s continued “significant non-performance” of its nuclear commitments.
The snapback mechanism, embedded in the 2015 nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers, was activated by France, the UK, and Germany at the UN Security Council. These measures come as Iran’s economy continues to struggle under existing US sanctions.
“Their reactivation concludes the snapback process initiated on August 28, 2025, in an act of decisive global leadership on the part of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, known as the E3.The provisions enumerated in the restored resolutions address the threats posed by Iran’s nuclear, ballistic missile, conventional arms, and destabilising activities. Notably, they require Iran to suspend uranium enrichment-, heavy water-, and reprocessing-related activities; prohibit Iran from using ballistic missile technology; embargo the export of conventional arms to Iran; reimpose travel bans and global asset freezes on listed individuals and entities; and authorise the seizure of weapons and other prohibited cargo being transferred by Iran to state and non-state actors,” the Department of State said.
In a statement, the US emphasised that the Security Council’s decision on September 19,reaffirmed on September 26, sends a clear message: “The world will not acquiesce to threats and half-measures – and Tehran will be held to account.”
President Donald Trump reiterated that “diplomacy is still an option, and that a deal remains the best outcome for the Iranian people and the world.”
He stressed that Iran must “accept direct talks, held in good faith, without stalling or obfuscation.” In the absence of a diplomatic breakthrough, he said, international partners must move forward with snapback sanctions to pressure Iran’s leadership to act in the best interest of its people and global security.
Britain, France, and Germany have accused Iran of violating the 2015 nuclear deal, which was designed to prevent the country from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran, however, has consistently denied seeking a bomb. The unraveling of the decade-long agreement risks inflaming tensions in the Middle East, particularly as it comes just three months after Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
After the passage of the deadline, the foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany released a joint statement, saying, “We urge Iran and all states to abide fully by these resolutions. Our countries will continue to pursue diplomatic routes and negotiations. The reimposition of UN sanctions is not the end of diplomacy.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused the E3 of failing to reciprocate Iran’s proposals to keep diplomacy open.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticised the sanctions as “unlawful” and warned the UN Secretary-General against recognizing them.
Tehran, meanwhile, has warned of a strong response. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, however, tried to downplay the situation, saying, “It is not like the sky is falling.”
In a symbolic gesture, Iran is recalling its ambassadors to Britain, France, and Germany for consultations. The renewed UN sanctions will include an arms embargo, a ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing, restrictions on ballistic missile activities, travel bans for dozens of Iranian individuals, and asset freezes.
Countries worldwide are authorised to seize any items banned under these sanctions. Iran will also be prohibited from engaging in commercial activities involving nuclear materials and technology in other nations.