United Nations (TDI): Britain, France, and Germany are pressing Iran to accept a proposal that would postpone the reimposition of UN sanctions, offering Tehran additional time for nuclear talks if it restores cooperation with international inspectors.
The three European powers, known collectively as the E3, issued a joint statement ahead of a closed-door Security Council meeting, a day after triggering the 30-day process to reinstate sanctions under the “snapback” mechanism of Resolution 2231.
The offer, they said, would defer sanctions for up to six months if Iran re-admitted UN inspectors, addressed concerns over its enriched uranium stockpile, and returned to talks with the United States.
“Our asks were fair and realistic,” Britain’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said while reading the statement, flanked by her French and German counterparts. “We urge Iran to reconsider, reach agreement on our proposal, and help create space for a lasting diplomatic solution.”
Read More: E3 Triggers UN Sanctions Process on Iran Over Nuclear Program
Tehran, however, rejected the offer. Iran’s UN envoy Amir Saeid Iravani called the conditions “unrealistic preconditions,” arguing that they demanded outcomes that should emerge from negotiations, not be imposed at the outset. He urged instead a “short, unconditional technical extension” of Resolution 2231, the 2015 accord that lifted sanctions in exchange for nuclear curbs.
Meanwhile, Russia and China have circulated a draft resolution to the Security Council that would extend the 2015 deal for six months and encourage all parties to return to negotiations. They removed earlier language that would have blocked the E3 from pursuing the snapback option, but have yet to call for a vote.
Read More: Iran Presses E3 to Reconsider Sanctions Snapback Threat
Iravani welcomed the Russian-Chinese draft as a “practical step” to buy time for diplomacy. Any resolution would need nine votes in favour and no vetoes from the Council’s five permanent members.
UN nuclear inspectors recently returned to Iran for the first time since Tehran suspended cooperation after June attacks on its nuclear sites, which it blamed on Israel and the United States. However, Iran has not yet agreed on the terms for fully resuming work with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
