After Israeli, U.S. Strikes, Europeans Hope Snapback Threats Push Iran to Tougher Nuclear Deal

Iran Has Ways to Retaliate If Sanctions Reimposed, but Must Contend with Possibility of Renewed Israeli Strikes

Though Iran does not seem to be rebuilding its nuclear program now, there is no guarantee it won’t do so in another six months or a few years down the road. Iranian atomic energy exhibition at Islamic Revolution & Holy Defense Museum; Tehran, Iran, Jan. 29, 2018.

Though Iran does not seem to be rebuilding its nuclear program now, there is no guarantee it won’t do so in another six months or a few years down the road. Iranian atomic energy exhibition at the Islamic Revolution & Holy Defense Museum; Tehran, Iran, Jan. 29, 2018.

Shutterstock

Late last month, Britain, France and Germany triggered the “snapback mechanism” on Iran, initiating the process of reinstating UN sanctions on the country for its failure to comply with a 2015 deal designed to thwart its ability to build nuclear weapons.

At the same time, the countries, known as the E3, said they would continue their diplomatic efforts over the next 30 days to reach an arrangement with Iran over its nuclear program.

Israel welcomed the move, but warned that Iran wasn’t about to change course.

The move is “an important step in the diplomatic campaign to counter the Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions,” said Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, adding that the return of sanctions was “inevitable.”

The deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), removed harsh international sanctions on Iran in exchange for restricting its ability to produce nuclear material and allowing inspections to monitor its compliance. US President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement in 2018.

Published originally on September 7, 2025.

Read the full article in the Times of Israel.

Lazar Berman is the diplomatic correspondent at the Times of Israel, where he also covers Christian Affairs. He holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University and taught at Salahuddin University in Iraqi Kurdistan. Berman is a reserve captain in the IDF’s Commando Brigade and served in a Bedouin unit during his active service.
See more from this Author
The Real Test Of Gaza’s “Day After” Will Be Whether Hamas Faces Any Meaningful Compulsion
With Gaza Talks Nearing a Cliff Edge, Israel’s Prime Minister Presses the Case for Deadlines, Deterrence, and Credible Military Escalation
See more on this Topic
This Is Not Merely a Legal Technicality; It Is the Final Act in a Decade-Long Consolidation of Power
Even If Iran’s Current Protests Intensify, a Clean Democratic Transition Is Unlikely
Protests Have Broken Out Across the Country. We’ve Been Here Before.