Why it matters:
The confrontation risks completely collapsing the 2015 nuclear deal, potentially triggering a new phase of nuclear activities by Iran and further dividing world powers on how to address Tehran's nuclear program.
The big picture:
The "snap-back" mechanism in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) allows any participant to reimpose UN sanctions if Iran is found to violate the agreement. Tehran notes that the E3 countries (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) did not adhere to the JCPOA's dispute resolution process, stressing that their actions undermine diplomatic efforts, especially following recent damage to Iran's nuclear facilities due to Israeli and U.S. attacks.
Additionally, Russia and China have supported Iran's stance, cautioning against the Eropean Troika's potential misuse of the Security Council's authority.
Key points:
- E3 emphasized a 30-day window for a diplomatic solution before sanctions return
- The E3 announced their intention to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran within 30 days should the Council fail to adopt a resolution extending the suspension of sanctions on Tehran.
- This move, known as triggering the snapback mechanism, invokes Resolution 2231, which was adopted by the UNSC in 2015 to endorse the Iran nuclear deal.
- Iran’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement warning that the move would negatively affect Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog.
Flashback:
Iran and 5+1 countries (U.S., France, U.K., Germany, China, and Russia) signed the JCPOA in 2015 by virtue of which, Iran was obliged to curb its nuclear program, instead of the West's lifting part of its sanctions on Iran. However, the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the international agreement in May 2018. Following the U.S. withdrawal failed to fullfill their commitment to the JCPOA.
What he's saying:
Aragchi: “The E3’s snap-back move further increases doubts about the true intentions of these countries toward Iran.”
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will respond appropriately to this unlawful and unwarranted measure by the three European countries to protect its national rights and interests.”
“The three European countries have no legal right or authority to resort to the dispute resolution mechanism or activate the automatic return of sanctions.”
Go deeper:
Iran's Foreign Minister: Iran Will Respond to Europe's Illegal Snapback Move
Hossein Amiri - seyed mohammad kazemi
