A novel forward backward iterative scheme for solving the three-dimensional (3-D) electric field integral equation is presented. This communication details how a naive extension of a 2-D forward backward algorithm to 3-D problems results in convergence difficulties due to spurious edge effects. The method proposed in this communication postulates the use of local "buffer regions" to suppress these unwanted effects and ensure stability. Results are presented illustrating the convergence of the algorithm when applied to scattering by a 15λ square metallic plate with an aperture and a metallic right-angled wedge.