Iran's foreign minister has spoken with his French, German, and British counterparts, trying to stop the reimposition of U.N. sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program.

The call Friday came as these countries threaten to use the "snapback" mechanism from the 2015 nuclear deal.

Concerns have grown since Iran cut off cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after its war with Israel. Iran insists its program is peaceful but it enriches uranium at near weapons-grade levels.

The European nations have set an Aug. 31 deadline for Iran to reach a “satisfactory solution” for allowing IAEA inspections and easing the crisis over its nuclear program.

The AP's Jon Gambrell explains more.