WASHINGTON (TNND) — France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have issued a 30-day ultimatum to Iran, demanding compliance with oversight of its nuclear program or face the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions from 2015. These sanctions would freeze Iran’s foreign assets and halt arms deals. The European nations stated they have exhausted all efforts to address what they describe as six years of violations of the Iran nuclear deal, including the accumulation of a high-enriched uranium stockpile without a credible civilian justification.
“We hope Iran will take the necessary steps to address the international community’s serious concerns over its nuclear program,” the European nations said. In response, Iran has labeled the ultimatum as “blackmail,” asserting its commitment to diplomacy and blaming the failure of talks on the U.S. and Italy.
President Trump has maintained that the strikes he ordered in late June on the Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordo sites were “a complete success.” Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister recently told the Financial Times that the U.S. must compensate Iran for its losses before any talks can resume. A report by the Henry Jackson Society highlights Iran’s refusal to engage with the U.S. on its nuclear program, noting that the Trump administration has not set deadlines or future limits on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
This situation allows Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to potentially advance his nuclear and ballistic missile initiatives. Iran is also believed to be rebuilding terrorist networks beyond its borders. Amidst these tensions, the Iranian public sentiment fluctuates between opposition to the regime and nationalistic support, especially following the recent strikes and the 12-day war with Israel.
Should the 30-day deadline expire without compliance, the re-imposition of sanctions could intensify domestic opposition to the regime, further isolating it from both the international community and its own people.