E3 leaders warn sanctions would be reinstated at end of August unless Iran cooperates with IAEA

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The leaders of the UK, France, and Germany -- known collectively as the E3 -- have agreed that sanctions on Iran will be reinstated at the end of August unless Tehran returns to diplomatic negotiations and cooperates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on its nuclear program.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling the situation "appalling" and demanding an immediate ceasefire.

In a joint statement, the leaders urged Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid and ensure food reaches civilians in desperate need.

"They all agreed it would be vital to ensure robust plans are in place to turn an urgently needed ceasefire into lasting peace," the statement said.

On Iran, the E3 stressed that unless the country reengages with the IAEA and returns to diplomacy, sanctions that were previously eased would be fully reinstated by the end of next month.

Turning to the war in Ukraine, the three reaffirmed their unity and underscored the importance of maintaining international pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring him to the negotiating table. They also reiterated their long-term support for Ukraine’s defense and recovery.