European sanctions on Iran could return before the end of the month, French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12. He explained that France, Germany, and the United Kingdom – known as the E3 – see no serious effort from Tehran to avoid the move. The three countries began a 30-day process in August to bring sanctions back after talks on Iran’s nuclear programme stalled.
Macron stressed that Iran failed to meet the commitments of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). That deal required Tehran to cut back its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. The French leader also pointed out that Iran has now built a uranium stockpile more than 40 times the allowed limit, a clear violation of the agreement.
The E3 powers believe this leaves them no choice but to reimpose pressure. Iran, however, rejected the move, calling it “unjustified and illegal.” Still, European leaders argue that Tehran’s position does not match the reality of its nuclear activity.
The 2015 accord already faced major setbacks when former US President Donald Trump withdrew Washington from the deal in 2018. Since then, tensions have grown. Earlier this year, fighting broke out during a 12-day Israeli war on Iran, with the United States striking three Iranian nuclear sites.
If the E3 activate the snapback system, the old United Nations sanctions will return. These include bans on conventional weapons, limits on ballistic missile development, and freezes on Iranian financial assets. Such measures would cut Iran off from global markets and isolate its economy further.
European sanctions on Iran would also signal a major policy shift. For years, France, Germany, and the UK tried to keep the JCPOA alive despite Washington’s withdrawal. Now, Macron and other European leaders believe only tougher steps can stop Iran’s nuclear drive.
The final decision will depend on whether talks make progress in the coming weeks. Still, Macron’s comments suggest that Europe is already preparing to act. With snapback sanctions likely, Iran may soon face its toughest international pressure in years.
