Potential Imminent Activation of the “Snapback” Mechanism Against Iran
WANA (Aug 27) – A Western news agency, citing four diplomats, reported that the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) plan to begin the process of reinstating UN sanctions on Iran starting Thursday. However, these countries hope that Tehran will provide specific commitments regarding its nuclear program within 30 days, which could delay the practical implementation of this action.
The three European countries met with Iran on Tuesday in an effort to revive nuclear diplomacy before they lose the legal authority to activate the “snapback” mechanism in mid-October. Nevertheless, according to several European diplomats and one Western diplomat, the recent talks did not yield sufficient commitments from Iran, although the possibility of further dialogue in the coming weeks remains.
If activated, the snapback would reinstate comprehensive financial, banking, oil and gas, and defense sanctions against Iran within 30 days. One diplomat emphasized: “The real negotiations begin once the letter is sent to the UN Security Council.” Germany’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that snapback activation remains one of the E3’s options.
Iran has warned that it will respond “forcefully” if sanctions are reinstated.
Iran–Europe Nuclear Talks. Social Media / WANA News Agency
Return of IAEA Inspectors to Iran
Iranian state media reported that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors have returned to the country for the first time since cooperation was suspended following Israeli and U.S. attacks in June. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed the inspectors’ arrival but noted that no agreement has yet been reached on the scope of their access to nuclear facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also told parliament that Tehran has not yet agreed on the full resumption of cooperation with the agency.
The three European countries have offered Iran that, if full IAEA inspections resume and talks with the U.S. begin, the implementation of snapback could be postponed for up to six months.
IAEA Inspectors Enter Iran for Bushehr Fuel Replacement
WANA (Aug 27) – Iran’s Foreign Minister stated that the entry of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors into the country was carried out under the decision of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) to oversee fuel replacement at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. He emphasized that no text of an agreement regarding a new […]
Uranium Enrichment Status
According to the IAEA, Iran is currently enriching uranium up to 60%, close to weapons-grade levels (90%). Before the Israeli attacks in June, Iran possessed enough uranium that, if further processed, could be sufficient for six nuclear weapons. However, the IAEA emphasized that there is no credible evidence of a coordinated weapons program in Iran.
A European diplomat also said that Iran showed some signs of readiness to negotiate with the U.S. during the recent E3 meeting, while an Iranian source stressed that such negotiations would only occur if Washington guarantees that no military action will take place during the talks.
New mural at Tehran’s Enghelab Square: Iran’s next-generation centrifuges and nuclear capabilities, accompanied by the slogan “Knowledge is Power.” 27th Aug 2025. Social Media / WANA News Agency
