Iran's foreign minister has issued a stark warning to Britain, France and Germany that reimposing sanctions on Tehran could lead to an "irreversible escalation" of tensions.
Abbas Araqchi cautioned that abuse of the "snapback mechanism" would have serious consequences in a column published in French weekly magazine Le Point on Monday.
Araqchi wrote: "We have officially warned all JCPOA signatories that abuse of the snapback mechanism will lead to consequences not only the end of Europe's role in the agreement, but also an escalation of tensions."
The "snapback mechanism" is part of a UN resolution ratifying the 2015 nuclear pact, allowing the three European powers to reimpose UN sanctions against Tehran.
Iran's foreign minister has issued a stark warning to Britain, France and Germany that reimposing sanctions on Tehran could lead to an 'irreversible escalation' of tensions
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This mechanism must be triggered before October 18, according to diplomatic sources.
The European powers are not directly involved in the current negotiations between Iran and the United States, with the fourth round of these talks concluded in Oman on Sunday.
However, Britain, France and Germany have been coordinating closely with Washington regarding potential pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme.
US President Donald Trump, who exited the 2015 nuclear accord during his first term, said on Monday that Iran was "talking intelligently".
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Abbas Araqchi cautioned that abuse of the 'snapback mechanism' would have serious consequences
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Trump told reporters: "We want Iran to be wealthy and wonderful and happy and great, but they can't have a nuclear weapon, it's very simple."
Iran has breached the 2015 pact's nuclear curbs since 2019, with the UN nuclear watchdog reports Tehran has "dramatically" accelerated its enrichment of uranium to up to 60 per cent purity.
This is close to the roughly 90 per cent level considered weapons-grade.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful.
US President Donald Trump, who exited the 2015 nuclear accord during his first term, said on Monday that Iran was 'talking intelligently'
ReutersRelations between the E3 and Iran have deteriorated over the past year despite occasional meetings amid new sanctions imposed on Tehran over its ballistic missile programme.
Iran's detention of foreign citizens and support for Russia in its war against Ukraine have further strained relations.
According to diplomats and a document, the European powers may trigger the snapback mechanism by August if no substantial deal can be reached by then.
A meeting between Iran's deputy foreign minister and E3 counterparts was described by Araqchi as a "promising, but fragile start."
