US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (Aug 28) endorsed the decision by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (the “E3”) to trigger the “snapback” mechanism that reimposes United Nations sanctions on Iran. Rubio argued that renewed sanctions strengthen, rather than undermine, Washington’s willingness to pursue diplomacy with Tehran.
“The United States remains prepared for direct dialogue with Iran in pursuit of a lasting, peaceful solution to the nuclear issue,” Rubio said in a statement. He added that the reactivation of sanctions “does not contradict our readiness for diplomacy; it reinforces it.”
The Secretary urged Iranian authorities to act swiftly to guarantee that their nuclear ambitions do not lead to the development of weapons. He framed this not only as a matter of international security but also as a step toward “peace and prosperity for the Iranian people.”
Posting separately on X, Rubio emphasized that the E3’s action was a direct response to Tehran’s ongoing breach of its nuclear obligations, urging Iran to engage in “serious diplomatic negotiations” rather than defiance.
The move by the European powers reflects growing frustration with Tehran’s non-compliance, despite years of negotiations intended to limit its nuclear program. Washington’s endorsement highlights a rare alignment with European capitals, especially notable after years of sharp divisions over Iran policy under President Donald Trump.
During Trump’s first term, the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal strained relations with Europe and escalated tensions with Tehran. Although Trump later signaled interest in a fresh nuclear accord, his administration increasingly pivoted toward a more confrontational stance, joining Israel in airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
