UK, Germany and France say they have triggered UN sanctions on Iran

Move by trio of European powers gives Tehran 30 days to improve access for inspection of its nuclear sites

The UK, France and Germany have formally notified the UN that they have triggered the restoration of sweeping UN sanctions against Iran, giving Tehran 30 days to make concessions on access to its nuclear sites or face deeper worldwide economic isolation.

UK officials said the decision had not been taken lightly and there had been intensive diplomacy to try to avert this step. The officials stressed there was still room for some last-ditch diplomacy before the sanctions snapback" comes into force in 30 days' time. The annual high-level UN general assembly in September is likely to host more intensive diplomacy over the situation with Iran.