European Powers Stand Firm on Iran Sanctions, Reject Lifting Restrictions

Britain, France, and Germany, collectively known as the E3, have announced that they will maintain their sanctions on Iran related to its nuclear program and development of ballistic missiles. The sanctions were set to expire in October under the now-defunct nuclear deal. The E3 cited Iran's consistent non-compliance with the accord as the reason for their decision. The measures include bans on ballistic missile development and the transfer of drones and missiles to and from Iran, as well as asset freezes for entities involved in the nuclear and missile program. The sanctions will remain in place until Iran fully complies with the deal. Iran's Foreign Ministry criticized the decision, calling it illegal and provocative. The 2015 nuclear deal aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, but Iran began violating its terms after the US withdrew from the agreement in 2018. Formal talks to revive the deal collapsed in August 2022.