Iran faces reimposition of sanctions unless it negotiates on nuclear program

Iran faces a renewal of UN-mandated sanctions within weeks unless it returns to negotiations on the future of its nuclear program and allows international inspections of its facilities.

The process for restoring sanctions that were lifted a decade ago under a landmark nuclear deal could begin at the end of the month if a meeting on Tuesday between Iran and three European nations fails to make progress.

France, Germany and the United Kingdom have told the United Nations they will move to reimpose sanctions through what’s known as the ‘snapback’ mechanism if Iran continues to violate its obligations under the deal.

The snapback was built into the 2015 nuclear pact reached by Iran, the US and the Europeans. Under the deal, Iran was granted sanctions relief in return for strict and verifi