Iran: resumption of nuclear inspections and heightened sanctions risks

On September 9, 2025, Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced an agreement paving the way for the resumption of inspections at Iranian nuclear sites. This development occurred against a backdrop of increased diplomatic pressure, as France, Germany and the United Kingdom – acting as the E3 – initiated the snapback mechanism under existing international agreements.

Activation of the snapback procedure could result in the swift reinstatement of international sanctions against Iran should it fail to meet its nuclear commitments. For European companies, this announcement signals a heightened risk of regulatory tightening affecting trade with Iran, particularly in relation to sensitive goods, technologies and services.

A reimposition of sanctions would likely trigger immediate reinforcement of export control measures, including stricter licensing requirements and expanded prohibitions. Companies would need to strengthen trade flow due diligence, reassess their exposure to Iranian-related transactions and prepare for additional compliance constraints.

Beyond geopolitical considerations, Iran’s level of cooperation with the IAEA will directly influence the future of the international sanctions regime. For exporters, this situation underscores that nuclear diplomacy is not only a political matter but also a direct source of regulatory and compliance risk, requiring continuous monitoring and proactive adaptation of export control frameworks.