UN sanctions against Iran: E3 activate drastic measures!

UN sanctions against Iran: E3 activate drastic measures!

On September 28, 2025 at 2:01 a.m. CEST, all frozen UN sanctions against Iran were put back into force due to the Snapback mechanism of the Vienna Nuclear Agreement in 2015. These measures include a weapon embargo, a ban on uranium enrichment and a worldwide freezing of assets. Germany, Great Britain and France (E3) initiated the reactivation of the sanctions because they believe that Iran violated the agreements of the agreement. No diplomatic solution has been in sight in the past few months, although the E3 have emphasized their willingness to negotiate.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran had more than 400 kilograms of uranium with a purity degree of 60%in June, which is far above the 3.67 percent allowed for civil purposes. However, Iran vehemently justified the enrichment as necessary for its civilian nuclear economy. Experts, however, warn that Iran has enough 60%uranium to build at least one atomic bomb, although Iranian leadership rejects all intent to develop nuclear weapons.

International reactions and escalation

The reintroduction of the sanctions is a direct reaction to the increasing uranium enrichment of Iran, which began in 2021. As part of the nuclear agreement, the enrichment was limited to max. 4 percent for civilian purposes. Instead, Iran confirmed that the enrichment is carried out to up to 60 percent in the Natanz facility. Politologists and representatives warn of a possible escalation and ask Iran to refrain from further measures.

However, the effects of the now reactivated sanctions on Iran are difficult to estimate. It is referred to possible escalation steps such as an exit from the nuclear weapon locking contract or the announcement of the construction of an atomic bomb. Germany, Great Britain and France have come together in conversations with international partners to reactions to this nuclear escalation. Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasizes the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons or carrier systems.

Iranian reaction and geopolitical dimension

Iran criticized the reintroduction of the sanctions as illegitimate and reacted to international developments by signaling that it could terminate an agreement with the IAEA to resume inspection if the sanctions come into force. Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, called for regional cooperation against "Israel's conspiracies", especially after the military conflict with Israel, which took place in June 2025 and was associated with attacks on central Iranian nuclear programs.

Despite these tensions, the United States, which had unilaterally left the Vienna nuclear Agreement under President Trump in 2018, signaled that they are interested in new negotiations, but are demanding direct discussions without delays. These international political tensions in the affected countries cause concern about the nuclear future of Iran and the risks of a regional conflict escalation.

The Iranian exile opposition sees the reinstatement of the sanctions as necessary in order to reduce the nuclear threat, and calls for a change of regime, while at the same time the biological and technological basis of the Iranian nuclear program is critically observed. The international community remains on alert to prevent a potential escalation of the nuclear ambitions of Iran.

It remains to be seen how the regime in Tehran will react to the renewed sanctions and whether diplomatic solutions will have a chance in the future, while the geopolitical situation remains tense.