The UK, France and Germany are planning to revive UN-backed sanctions on Iran over fears it is developing nuclear weapons.
The three European nations, known as the E3, are making the move after efforts to restart diplomatic talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme stalled.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but it has enriched uranium to levels exceeding that required for civil nuclear power.
This is a breach of a deal agreed with western nations in 2015, when a series of sanctions were suspended.
However, the E3 now wants to reimpose those sanctions, which were made by UN resolution.
They wrote to US secretary of state Marco Rubio informing him of their intent, and on Thursday afternoon notified the UN.
Before the sanctions are implemented, there will be a 30-day period when the UK, France and Germany hope talks can take place and Iran will agree to step back its nuclear ambitions.
The reimposition has not been met well by the Iranians, with a senior Iranian official telling Reuters the country will “not concede under pressure”.
They said diplomatic talks will continue with the E3 and Tehran will decide on Iran’s reciprocal measures if the sanctions are imposed.
The official said Iran had used “all its capacities” to dissuade the E3 from taking this step.
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