Published Time: 08-13-2025, 14:30 UTC

The United Kingdom, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3—have issued a stern warning to Iran, signaling their readiness to reinstate United Nations sanctions unless Tehran resumes nuclear negotiations by the end of August 2025. In a joint letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the E3 emphasized their commitment to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and outlined the potential reactivation of the “snapback” mechanism, a provision that allows for the automatic reimposition of sanctions.

E3’s Ultimatum: Diplomatic Engagement or Sanctions

In their letter, the E3 nations conveyed that if Iran does not engage in meaningful diplomatic discussions by August 31, 2025, or fails to accept an extension for negotiations, they are prepared to trigger the snapback mechanism. This mechanism, established under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, permits any participant of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to unilaterally reimpose sanctions if Iran is found to be in significant non-compliance with its nuclear commitments. The E3 reaffirmed their dedication to utilizing all available diplomatic tools to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon.

Background: Stalled Nuclear Negotiations

The current impasse follows a period of heightened tensions, including a 12-day conflict in June 2025 between Iran and Israel, during which Israeli and U.S. airstrikes reportedly targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. Subsequently, Iran suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, and has not permitted inspections of its nuclear sites. The IAEA’s recent visit to Iran did not include access to any nuclear facilities, and full cooperation remains unrestored.

In July 2025, the E3 met with Iranian officials in Istanbul to discuss the possibility of reimposing international sanctions, which had been lifted in 2015 in exchange for Iran accepting restrictions and monitoring of its nuclear program. However, these talks have not led to significant progress, and diplomatic efforts remain at a standstill.

Iran’s Response: Threats of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Withdrawal

In reaction to the E3’s warning, Iranian officials have expressed strong objections. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, warned that if the snapback mechanism is activated, Iran may consider withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He emphasized that such a move would be a proportionate response to what Iran perceives as unjustified actions by the E3.

Additionally, Iranian lawmaker Manouchehr Mottaki stated that Iran’s parliament is prepared to withdraw from the NPT if the United Nations reimposes international sanctions on the country. This declaration marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and Western powers over nuclear policy and international agreements.

International Implications: A Delicate Diplomatic Balance

The E3’s threat to reinstate sanctions underscores the fragile state of international diplomacy concerning Iran’s nuclear program. The snapback mechanism, designed as a safeguard to ensure compliance with the JCPOA, has never been invoked. Its potential activation raises concerns about further destabilizing the region and undermining efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.

The United States, which unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, has not resumed direct negotiations with Iran. The current administration has indicated a willingness to engage diplomatically, but only if Iran returns to full compliance with the agreement. This complex web of relations adds to the challenges of achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Diplomacy

As the August 31 deadline approaches, the international community watches closely. The E3’s call for renewed negotiations presents Iran with a critical choice: engage in constructive dialogue to address nuclear concerns or face the reimposition of sanctions that could have far-reaching economic and political consequences. The outcome of this decision will significantly impact regional stability and the global non-proliferation regime.

Source: AP News – Britain, France and Germany threaten to reimpose sanctions on Iran as nuclear program deadline nears

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President Donald Trump insists the U.S. “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities. But why is he pushing this narrative so hard — even as intelligence reports quietly raise doubts?

It comes down to two major reasons: image and implications.

A Presidency Built on Power and Perception

Trump has long framed his leadership around strength, decisive action, and doing what no other president could. That image is central to his political brand. So admitting that Iran’s nuclear program may still be intact — or even partly functional — would deal a serious blow to his strongman persona.

More importantly, acknowledging incomplete success would raise the uncomfortable question: if the strikes didn’t finish the job, should the U.S. go back and try again? That’s a path fraught with risks — prolonged military engagement, possible escalation with Iran, and political fallout at home. It’s not a war Trump’s MAGA base wants, and it’s likely not one he does either.

Media Reports Spark White House Fury

Reports surfaced this week that a preliminary Pentagon intelligence assessment suggests the U.S.-Israel bombing campaign may have only set Iran’s nuclear program back by months, not years. The Defense Intelligence Agency reportedly holds “low confidence” that core infrastructure was destroyed.

Trump quickly doubled down. At a NATO summit press conference, he boasted of a “very, very successful” mission, adding: “It was called obliteration. No other military on Earth could have done it.”

His Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, slammed outlets like CNN and The New York Times for reporting the less-rosy intelligence, accusing them of trying to undermine Trump. But critics say the backlash only makes the administration look defensive — and raises even more doubts about the truth.

The Problem With Premature Victory Laps

Classified assessments take time, especially when it comes to evaluating underground nuclear sites in Iran. But the Trump administration declared victory almost immediately — even while B-2 bombers were still in the air.

That rush to claim success now puts Trump in a bind. Any intelligence that contradicts the “obliterated” narrative makes him look like he acted prematurely — or worse, misled the public.

The White House’s insistence on pushing its version of events has also distracted from real wins: a flawless bombing mission without U.S. casualties, a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Iran, and a major NATO defense spending commitment.

Trump’s Credibility Gap

CIA Director John Ratcliffe issued a statement claiming Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “severely damaged,” citing intelligence from reliable sources. DNI Tulsi Gabbard echoed that on X (formerly Twitter), saying Iran’s nuclear sites were “destroyed.”

But neither provided hard proof. And crucial questions remain: Did Iran move uranium stockpiles before the attacks? Are there secret sites still operating? Did the bombs truly penetrate hardened underground bunkers like Fordow?

Without clear answers, it looks like the administration is trying to spin the narrative — possibly even pressuring intelligence agencies to fall in line. That’s a dangerous echo of past U.S. missteps, notably the Iraq War and its debunked WMD claims.

Stakes Are Sky-High

If Iran’s nuclear program is still viable, Trump could face calls — from allies or Israel — to launch another round of strikes. That risks exactly the kind of prolonged Middle East entanglement Trump has tried to avoid.

It also sets a precedent: after taking bold military action, Trump now has to deliver long-term results or face the consequences. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has said it’s possible Iran moved enriched uranium prior to the bombings — raising red flags that some nuclear capability may have survived.

And if Iran did salvage part of its program, Trump may face pressure to act again — or risk appearing weak after such bold claims.

Could This Undermine Diplomacy?

Uncertainty around the impact of the strikes also complicates potential peace talks. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, says negotiations with Iran could begin soon and that the administration hopes for a “comprehensive peace agreement.”

Some believe Iran may be ready to engage. Others fear the attacks will push Tehran to double down — even secretly pursue nuclear weapons for deterrence.

As for Trump, he’s downplaying expectations. “We may sign an agreement. I don’t know. I don’t think it’s that necessary,” he said. “They had a war. They fought. Now they’re going back to their world.”

That statement undercuts his own message — if Iran’s program was truly destroyed, why would a peace deal even be necessary?

The Bigger Picture

This moment may define Trump’s legacy in foreign policy. If future intelligence proves Iran’s program was, in fact, crippled, he’ll claim a historic victory. But if evidence emerges that Iran retained — or rebuilt — its capabilities, Trump’s premature celebration could backfire politically and diplomatically.

And if this becomes another chapter in the long history of presidents shaping intelligence to fit their narrative, it could mark a dangerous turning point for U.S. credibility on the global stage.

Because this time, it’s not just about politics. It’s about whether the world believes what America says about war — and whether it can afford not to.

Source: CNN – Why Trump needs the world to believe Iran’s nuclear program is ‘obliterated’

The post Why Trump Is So Desperate to Declare Iran’s Nuclear Program ‘Obliterated’ appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Iran and the United States began their fifth round of critical nuclear negotiations in Rome on Friday, but skepticism is running high in Tehran about the chances of a deal. Sources close to Iran tell CNN that with the US taking a harder stance, a breakthrough appears unlikely.

Key Roadblock: Uranium Enrichment

At the heart of the deadlock is the US demand that Iran completely dismantle its uranium enrichment program—a red line Tehran says would collapse any chance of agreement. Two Iranian insiders say Iran’s participation in the talks is mainly to assess Washington’s current position, not to push for a deal.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made Tehran’s stance crystal clear before leaving for Rome:
“Zero nuclear weapons = we do have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal.”

Enrichment of uranium can lead to nuclear weapons if taken to high levels, but Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful. Tehran says it is open to international inspectors but will not give up its right to enrich uranium for energy.

Growing Distrust Over US Intentions

Sources say Iranian officials increasingly doubt Washington’s sincerity. They believe the US knows zero enrichment is unacceptable to Tehran but insists on it anyway—signaling that the US is using talks more as a pressure tactic than a genuine effort to reach an agreement.

Some Iranian policymakers once hoped for a “win-win” compromise, but now many see the talks heading towards a stalemate. Both sides don’t want to walk away from the table, but the US’s firm position makes progress seem unlikely.

Iran also suspects the US is closely following Israel’s hardline agenda. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been adamant that Iran should not be allowed any uranium enrichment—a stance that Tehran believes is guiding the US approach.

US Increases Pressure with New Sanctions

Even as diplomacy continues, Washington is tightening the screws on Iran. Just days before the talks, the US imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s construction sector, accusing it of links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its nuclear and missile programs.

Iran’s foreign ministry denounced the sanctions as “unlawful and inhuman,” arguing they reveal US unwillingness to negotiate seriously and only strengthen Iranian resolve against American pressure.

Experts Warn of Missteps

Analysts warn Washington is misreading Iran’s mindset. Ali Vaez, Iran expert at the International Crisis Group, explains that a weakened Iran is less likely to concede—fearing that backing down under pressure could threaten the regime’s survival.

Meanwhile, reports indicate Israel is preparing for possible strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, raising fears of military escalation. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee acknowledged that Washington is aware of these preparations and may support Israel’s right to defend itself if necessary.

What’s Next?

Experts say an Israeli attack would likely end negotiations and could push Iran to abandon nuclear treaties altogether. The US insistence on zero enrichment may be driving Iran toward a tougher stance, with Tehran ready to retaliate if threatened.

In this tense environment, analysts emphasize that quiet, behind-the-scenes diplomacy offers the best chance to revive talks and avoid conflict. But for now, with both sides standing firm, a deal remains elusive.

Source: CNN – Iran doesn’t believe a nuclear deal is likely, sources say, as talks with US resume

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Netanyahu vows to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons following IDF strikes

During the opening session of the Knesset’s winter assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s firm stance against Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. He highlighted a recent airstrike by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that targeted Iran’s conventional military assets, including its facilities for producing antiballistic missiles.

“Stopping Iran’s nuclear program is our top priority. While I cannot disclose all our strategies and actions, it is a crucial focus for us,” Netanyahu stated.

He outlined a long-term strategy aimed at dismantling what he referred to as the “axis of evil,” cutting off Iran’s military capabilities both in the South and North. Netanyahu stressed the importance of imposing severe consequences on Iran and its allies, asserting, “I have not given up on this central goal, and we will not give up.”

Netanyahu faced criticism for not ordering a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, especially as the Biden administration publicly advised against such actions. Critics argue that he is yielding to U.S. pressure, compromising Israel’s strategic interests. In his speech, Netanyahu defended his position, asserting that the recent airstrike is a significant setback for Iran, which poses threats to Israel, the region, and beyond.

“Iran aims to build a stockpile of nuclear weapons to destroy us and is developing long-range intercontinental missiles,” Netanyahu warned, noting that Iran is establishing a missile production industry.

According to Netanyahu, Israel serves as a barrier to Iran’s ambitions, stating that if Israel were to fall, the Middle East would also be at risk. “But we will not fall. We will succeed, and the world will be safer,” he said.

He placed Israel’s struggle against Iran within a broader historical context, mentioning that while Pan-Arabism initially threatened Israel, the country ultimately overcame assaults from Arab armies and established peace with neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. Now, he argues, the Islamic Republic poses a new threat, aspiring to create a regional empire that excludes Israel.

Netanyahu described Iran’s strategy to eliminate Israel as resting on three pillars: proxy attacks on Israel, ballistic missile development, and nuclear weapons acquisition. He noted that over the past year, the IDF has significantly weakened Iranian proxies, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while also damaging Iran’s missile capabilities.

Reflecting on the past year since the October 7 attacks—where over 1,200 people were killed and many taken hostage—Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel had faced a major setback but had managed to regroup and achieve military successes that are reshaping the Middle East.

He likened the current situation to a modern-day War of Independence, recalling that in 1948, Israel fought against seven armies. Today, he noted, Israel faces threats from multiple fronts.

Netanyahu also expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones during the October 7 attacks and praised the IDF soldiers for their bravery. He reaffirmed that the main goals of the ongoing conflict with Hamas are to dismantle the organization and secure the return of 101 remaining hostages.

He committed to using every possible means to bring all captives home, both the living and deceased. Additionally, he emphasized Israel’s determination to establish safe conditions for residents in the South and North to return to their homes, which he described as “absolute victory.”

Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to making its own security decisions, despite ongoing discussions with the U.S. “The critical decisions regarding our security, including our goals and objectives, are determined by us,” he stated.

Regarding the recent airstrike on Iran’s military sites, Netanyahu announced that the IDF successfully struck numerous military targets throughout Iran. “We have shown that our reach extends to any place where threats against Israel arise. We significantly impaired Iran’s defense systems and its missile production capabilities,” he said.

He emphasized that the IDF’s targets were not merely symbolic but rather substantial military installations, stating, “We delivered a serious blow to these industrial death factories.”

Source

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