France, Britain and Germany are discussing how to deal with the approaching expiration of European Union sanctions against the Islamic Republic's ballistic missile program.

Speaking exclusively to Iran International, German Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Christian Wagner said: "We are in touch with our E3 partners [France and Britain] on how to deal with the issue of Iran," when asked about the possible extension of sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program. 

Set to expire in October under the 2015 nuclear deal, the sanctions have as yet failed to stall Iran's nuclear progress. Wagner said the Islamic Republic has developed its nuclear program in recent months in violation of its commitment under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

"As parties to the JCPOA and according to the UN Security Council Resolution (2231 which endorsed the JCPOA), we have commitments to respect," he added.

In his interview with Iran International, the German foreign ministry spokesman stressed that the E3 countries are discussing "what action to take" regarding the expiration of sanctions against Iran's ballistic missile program as time is running out.

European diplomats are lobbying to retain the sanctions, not only for the advancement of Iran's nuclear program but also for Iran's continued arming of Russia's war on Ukraine.