Wed Sep 17 13:19:26 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Germany indicates a possible temporary delay of UN sanctions against Iran, triggered by the E3 nations (France, Britain, and Germany), after a phone call between their foreign ministers and their Iranian counterpart. The offer hinges on Iran fulfilling specific conditions related to its nuclear program, which Germany currently deems insufficient. Iran is pushing for a resolution at the IAEA to prevent attacks on nuclear facilities and claims the US is pressuring the IAEA to block it. The situation is tense, with Iran calling for a positive approach from the E3, while the E3 accuses Iran of violating the 2015 nuclear agreement. The possibility of “snapback” sanctions looms if no progress is made, with potentially serious consequences.

**News Article:**

**Germany Signals Potential Delay in Iran Sanctions as Tensions Remain High**

**Berlin -** Germany has indicated a potential pathway for temporarily delaying the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Iran, contingent on Tehran meeting specific conditions related to its nuclear program. This announcement comes following a phone call between the foreign ministers of France, Britain, and Germany (the E3) and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The E3 triggered a 30-day deadline last month for the reinstatement of “snapback” sanctions, a mechanism within the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) allowing for their swift reimposition if Iran is found in violation of the accord. The agreement, which saw Iran curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, has been strained since the US withdrawal in 2018.

“The ball is still in Iran’s court,” a German Federal Foreign Office spokesman told AFP, stating that the offer to discuss a temporary extension of the snapback deadline remains on the table “if Iran fulfils certain conditions.” However, they added that Iran’s actions to date have been “not sufficient.”

Tehran has urged the E3 to adopt a “positive approach and goodwill” in the negotiations. Concerns have been raised over the potential reimposition of sanctions by October, when certain aspects of the 2015 agreement expire. Iran has warned of consequences should the sanctions be renewed.

The phone call, which also included EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, follows a recent agreement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to resume cooperation, including IAEA inspections of Iranian nuclear sites. However, this positive development is shadowed by ongoing tensions.

Iran is currently pushing for a resolution at the IAEA’s General Conference in Vienna prohibiting attacks on nuclear installations. Iranian officials allege that the United States is pressuring member states to block the resolution and threatening to cut off assistance to the IAEA. This follows earlier Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Resumed cooperation with the IAEA is one of the conditions set by the E3 for holding off on the snapback mechanism. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized the need for reciprocity, stating that escalating tensions is not in anyone’s interest.

Since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and subsequent reimposition of sanctions, the IAEA Board of Governors has passed Western-backed censure resolutions against Iran. Despite these tensions, US intelligence and the IAEA have not found evidence that Iran is currently pursuing a nuclear weapon.

The situation remains delicate, with the potential for escalating tensions and significant consequences depending on the actions of all parties involved.

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