Europe Proposes Delaying UN Sanctions on Iran Tied to Nuclear Talks and IAEA Cooperation

European powers are set to propose delaying the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Iran, contingent on Tehran resuming nuclear negotiations with the U.S. and cooperating with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors. The offer, to be discussed at an Istanbul meeting on July 25, 2025, aims to extend the deadline for triggering the "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) beyond mid-September. This mechanism, if activated, would automatically restore UN sanctions, which were lifted under the JCPOA before its collapse in 2018 when former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement [1]. The European proposal reflects a renewed diplomatic push by Britain, France, and Germany to prevent a full-scale sanctions reinstatement, despite Iran’s firm stance on its uranium enrichment program and lingering tensions following a brief conflict between Israel and Iran involving U.S. forces [2].

The conditional delay requires Iran to agree to restart talks with the U.S. and allow limited cooperation with the IAEA, though inspectors will not yet have access to nuclear sites. A western diplomat reportedly told Financial Times: “If Iran comes to the table and works with inspectors, we hold off. If not, sanctions are back on.” This approach hinges on a new UN Security Council resolution, a politically challenging step but one European officials prioritize over escalation [3]. Iran, however, has warned that reimposed sanctions could lead it to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a move that would significantly escalate the crisis. Tehran has already frozen ties with the IAEA since Israeli and U.S. strikes damaged its nuclear facilities in June, though a deputy foreign minister hinted at potential technical discussions with inspectors soon [4].

The U.S. remains excluded from direct negotiations but has reiterated demands that Iran halt enrichment before talks resume. Trump, who opposed the original JCPOA, has stated he is “in no rush” to reopen negotiations and claims Iran’s nuclear sites are already destroyed. Meanwhile, IAEA analysts warn Iran could resume uranium enrichment “within months,” raising concerns about the fate of over 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium unaccounted for after the strikes [5]. This material is sufficient for several nuclear weapons, and officials suspect it may have been hidden prior to the attacks [6].

Diplomatic challenges persist. While Iran has engaged in separate talks with Russia and China—other 2015 deal signatories—no public progress has emerged. Indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations, which began in April, stalled after Israeli airstrikes killed Iranian military leaders and scientists, deepening mutual distrust. European officials acknowledge the low likelihood of a breakthrough but view the offer as a last-ditch effort to avoid destabilizing regional security and global oil markets [7]. Analysts note the precarious balance: Europe’s proposal requires Iran to return to the table without preconditions, a demand Tehran has repeatedly rejected. The U.S. has signaled openness to resuming talks only if Iran complies with its conditions, while the IAEA’s ability to verify compliance remains limited without full site access [8].

The Istanbul talks will determine whether a temporary delay is feasible. If Iran refuses, the snapback mechanism could be triggered by the U.S. or European parties, reimposing sanctions that would cripple Iran’s economy. A delay, however, would require sustained trust-building—a challenge given the history of broken commitments. The outcome will hinge on whether Iran’s enrichment activities can be curbed and whether the U.S. and Iran can reconcile their conflicting demands on preconditions for negotiations [9].

Sources:

[1] [Financial Times](https://www.iranintl.com/en/202507256355)

[2] [Caliber.Az](https://caliber.az/en/post/ft-europe-offers-iran-sanctions-reprieve-in-bid-to-revive-nuclear-talks)

[3] [Iran International](https://www.iranintl.com/en/202507256355)

[4] [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/23/world/middleeast/iran-europe-nuclear-talks-treaty.html)

[5] [Yahoo News](https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/iranian-negotiator-doesnt-rule-exiting-160741214.html)

[6] [WBHM](https://wbhm.org/npr-story/european-countries-are-set-for-iran-talks-but-expectations-for-a-breakthrough-are-low/)

[7] [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/25/world/middleeast/iran-europe-nuclear-talks.html)

[8] [Cryptopolitan](https://www.cryptopolitan.com/europe-sanctions-relief-iran-nuclear/)