Nournews : France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, in an official letter to the UN Security Council, announced that they are triggering the “snapback mechanism” of sanctions, which will lead to the reinstatement of suspended UN sanctions against Iran. According to Axios, the three countries emphasized that within the next 30 days—before the sanctions come into effect—they are prepared to negotiate with Tehran over the nuclear agreement, negotiations that could potentially prevent the return of sanctions.
The Europeans have called for the resumption of Iran–US talks on the JCPOA, full access of IAEA inspectors to nuclear sites, and a resolution regarding Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile. They stressed that this process should be finalized before Russia assumes the rotating presidency of the Security Council in October. A European diplomat also clarified that activating the snapback mechanism does not mean the end of diplomacy.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, reacting to the unconstructive action of the three European countries, said: Iran will respond appropriately to this unlawful and unjustified step taken by the Europeans.
He recalled Iran’s responsible and good-faith conduct in adhering to diplomacy to resolve nuclear-related issues and underlined that the Islamic Republic of Iran, in order to safeguard its national rights and interests, will take proper measures in response to this unlawful and unjustified move by the three European states.
Araghchi also stressed Iran’s determination to defend its legal rights and interests under international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty, expressing hope that the three European countries, by adopting a responsible approach and recognizing existing realities, would correct their wrongful action in the coming days.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister, had earlier stated that Iran sees no legal basis for activating this mechanism, warning that if the process continues, Tehran will take reciprocal measures, including halting cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Paris: Activation of snapback does not mean end of diplomacy with Iran
The French Foreign Minister said: Together with my German and British counterparts, we have formally notified the UN Security Council of Iran’s significant non-compliance with its obligations under the JCPOA.
He added: We have activated the so-called snapback process. This does not mean the end of diplomacy.
He further stated: We remain committed to diplomacy to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon.
Germany: The return of sanctions on Iran is not the end of diplomacy
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul declared that the return of sanctions on Iran does not mark the end of diplomacy but could rather signal the beginning of a new phase of negotiations.
He added: We now expect full cooperation from Iran with the International Atomic Energy Agency and a clear commitment to direct negotiations with us.
NOURNEWS