European offer to delay Iran sanctions remains ‘on the table’

Britain, France, and Germany have confirmed that their proposal to extend the Iran nuclear deal and delay the reimposition of UN sanctions for 30 days “remains on the table,” UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward said on Friday at the United Nations.

The three European nations, known as the E3, triggered the so-called “snapback” mechanism on Thursday to restore UN sanctions on Tehran, citing violations of commitments under the 2015 nuclear accord. The measure automatically reinstates sanctions after 30 days unless the UN Security Council acts to lift them.

Woodward said that in July, the E3 offered Iran an extension to the snapback, contingent on Tehran taking specific steps to address immediate concerns. “As of today, Iran has shown no indication that it is serious about meeting our requests,” she added, noting Tehran has not resumed negotiations with the United States or fully cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Despite the snapback trigger, the UK ambassador emphasised that diplomacy is not over. “Our extension offer remains on the table. We urge Iran to reconsider, reach an agreement, and create space for a long-term diplomatic solution,” she said.

The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) suspended various UN sanctions in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear programme. Western countries have accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, which Tehran denies, insisting its programme is strictly civilian.

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