Why it matters:
Tehran says it remains committed to diplomacy but says the West is weaponising legal mechanisms for political leverage.
The big picture:
The three European powers — all signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — formally notified the UN Security Council last week of their intent to begin the snapback process.
Their letter claimed sanctions could be restored in 30 days unless Iran agreed to new negotiations.
Iran, backed by Russia and China, says the move violates both the nuclear deal and Security Council Resolution 2231, and circumvents the agreement’s dispute-resolution process.
What they’re saying:
Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations: “Iran is committed to diplomacy, but it will never negotiate under threat or coercion.”
“The announcement by the three European countries is null and void. They lack any legal or moral standing to invoke this so-called snapback mechanism.”
“This is an illegal attempt to revive terminated resolutions, in clear violation of Resolution 2231.”
He added that Iran’s “compensatory measures” on its nuclear programme have been “gradual, proportional and fully legal,” while Western powers had been the first to violate the JCPOA.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a separate letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council, said the Europeans have engaged in “political trickery” and urged members to “reject this unlawful manipulation.”
Key points:
- Iranian officials say the Europeans have engaged in “blackmail” and argue that their failure to uphold JCPOA commitments disqualifies them from invoking snapback.
- The US, which left the JCPOA in 2018, is also cited by Iran as the original violator.
Go deeper:
Since Washington’s withdrawal, Iran has rolled back nuclear limits but insists its steps are reversible if sanctions relief is restored.
Iran's Parliament Moves to Exit NPT in Response to European Snap-back
Mojtaba Darabi - ahmad shirzadian
