Britain, France, and Germany are threatening to trigger the 2015 nuclear deal's “snapback” mechanism, which would automatically reimpose sanctions on Iran unless it makes progress in nuclear talks. The process bypasses UN Security Council vetoes and could sharply escalate tensions.

Iran's foreign minister has spoken with his French, German, and British counterparts, trying to stop the reimposition of U.N. sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and his French, British and German counterparts agreed on Friday to resume talks next week on nuclear issues, Iranian state media reported, as a threat by the European powers to reimpose sanctions looms.