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.

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.

Twitter
Telegram
LinkedIn
Email
Copy
Link copied
Print

Lazar Berman

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.