US lawmakers call for Europe to trigger snapback sanctions on Iran

US lawmakers are urging European allies to reinstate strict United Nations sanctions on Iran, citing Tehran’s continued violations of the 2015 nuclear deal.

A bipartisan resolution, introduced in both the Senate and the House, calls on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to trigger the “snapback” mechanism that would restore comprehensive sanctions on Iran through the UN Security Council.

The Senate version of the legislation is being led by Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), the number two Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, with 11 cosponsors.

"Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism, and their actions have led to the murder of American servicemembers," Ricketts said. "Iran’s possession of a nuclear weapon would threaten our security and the security of our allies. Snapback sanctions are key to ensuring that President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign is successful."

In the House of Representatives, Reps. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) have introduced companion legislation, urging European nations to act before key provisions of the Iran deal expire in October 2025.

"These snapback sanctions would include export controls, travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions on those involved in Iranian nuclear and missile activities," a press release shared on Tenney's website read.

The 2015 agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), had lifted UN, US, and EU sanctions on Iran in exchange for commitments to limit its nuclear program. The Trump administration withdrew the US from the deal in 2018, implementing a "maximum pressure" sanctions effort. In response, Iran later restricted access for international inspectors and resumed uranium enrichment beyond permitted levels.

The US lawmakers' call comes amid reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran is enriching uranium to 60% purity, just below the 90% threshold for weapons-grade material. IAEA Director Rafael Grossi warned that there is no civilian use for uranium enriched to such a level, raising concerns over Tehran's nuclear intentions.

With the October 2025 deadline looming, US lawmakers are pressing their European counterparts to act swiftly and decisively, warning that failure to reimpose sanctions could further embolden Iran’s nuclear ambitions.