The UK, France, and Germany wrote to the United Nations (UN) on Tuesday saying that they are ready to reimpose sanctions on Iran if a diplomatic solution to handle the country's nuclear program is not reached before the end of August this year.
The group, known as the E3, said if Iran is not willing to reach a diplomatic solution before the end of August or seize the opportunity of an extension, a so-called "snapback" mechanism will be triggered.
In July this year, the three European countries proposed that if Iran agreed to resume negotiations with the United States and cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) before September, they could postpone to launch the "snapback" sanctions mechanism.
Iran signed a nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with several major countries including the E3 in 2015. The agreement imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Resolution 2231, adopted by the UN Security Council following Iran's signature of the nuclear deal, included a "snapback" mechanism, which allows signatories to the deal to take measures against Iran if any violations happen.
Iran has stressed many times that parties in Europe have no right to use the mechanism and any abuse of the mechanism will be met with resolute responses.
Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA in June after accusing Israel and the United States of attacking its nuclear facilities and assassinating its scientists. Tehran has said it will not resume cooperation unless the security of its sites and personnel is guaranteed.
On June 13, two days prior to the sixth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel.
On June 22, U.S. forces bombed the three Iranian nuclear facilities of Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on June 24.
In recent days, Washington has repeatedly demanded that Iran completely cease uranium enrichment, a request firmly rejected by Tehran.
UK, France, Germany ready to reimpose sanctions on Iran over nuclear issue
UK, France, Germany ready to reimpose sanctions on Iran over nuclear issue
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
