US backs European 'Troika' on Iran sanctions snapback
Shafaq News – Washington
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed on Thursday the decision by Britain, France, and Germany—collectively known as the European "Troika"—to invoke the United Nations “snapback” mechanism, a step that could restore pre-2015 sanctions on Iran.
In a post on X, Rubio affirmed that Washington will work with the three European powers and Security Council members to carry the process through, while keeping the option of direct engagement with Tehran open.
The E3 – France, Germany, and the United Kingdom – initiated a process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. Snapback sanctions are a direct response to Iran’s continuing defiance of its nuclear commitments. The United States supports the E3’s decision and urges Iran to engage in…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) August 28, 2025
If enforced, the snapback would reinstate restrictions on Iran’s arms, ballistic missiles, finance, and energy sectors.
European officials noted they intend to use the measure as an opportunity for dialogue with Iran, describing it as a last-resort step to reimpose limits on enrichment and restore international monitoring.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot highlighted the need to prevent further advances in Iran’s nuclear program, stressing that activating the sanctions process does not close the path to diplomacy.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul added that Berlin expects Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and show readiness for direct talks with the European partners.
Tehran, however, rejected the snapback move as ''unjustified,'' warning it could limit cooperation with the IAEA if European states proceed with reviving international sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted that Tehran will also consult with its allies to evaluate the potential consequences of the measure.
