The UK, France, and Germany have initiated the process to restore major UN sanctions on Iran, originally lifted under a 2015 deal. This action triggers a "snapback mechanism" amidst escalating tensions over Iran's nuclear program.

• Sanctions could return in 30 days via the snapback mechanism.
• The UK, France, and Germany — participants in the 2015 deal — warned Iran two weeks prior they would proceed if a diplomatic solution wasn't reached by the end of August.
• Talks between Iran and the US have not resumed since June, following US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites and Iran barring UN-backed inspectors.