Britain, France, and Germany (the G3) are set to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran on October 18, forcing it to allow IAEA inspectors into its nuclear facilities fully. The move coincides with the expiry of the 2015 nuclear deal and cannot be vetoed by Russia or China.
Iran, which has not yet allowed inspectors to visit its bombed facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, has warned it will retaliate. The G3, meanwhile, hopes the pressure will force Tehran to make new concessions.
The new sanctions will primarily target Iran’s arms sales and shipping, further deepening the country’s already severe economic crisis, which is being exacerbated by water and energy shortages.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has said that it is not possible to send “select” inspectors and that talks must continue.
Analysts believe that this crisis could turn into a deep conflict between Iran and the West.
