Why it matters:
Europe's move to activate the snapback mechanism has escalated tensions around the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the JCPOA, and could pave the way for the return of UN sanctions on Iran. Tehran views the move as illegitimate and a tool of pressure rather than diplomacy.
The big picture:
U.S. Secretary of State welcomed the European step, describing it as consistent with Donald Trump’s directives — remarks Iran called “scandalous.”
European officials argue Iran has failed to uphold its JCPOA commitments, but Tehran counters that Europe itself never fulfilled its obligations after Washington’s 2018 withdrawal.
What he’s saying:
Esmaeil Baghaei:
“Media reports in recent days show that the Europeans acted at the request of the United States and the Israeli regime.”
“The U.S. secretary of state’s statement, welcoming Europe’s action and linking it directly to orders from the U.S. president, was scandalous.”
“The claim that Europe respected its nuclear commitments while Iran did not is hypocritical and ill-intentioned.”
“America has repeatedly disrupted diplomacy, whether by withdrawing from the JCPOA or by coordinating with Israel in attacks on Iran during negotiations. This proves they never had good faith.”
Go deeper:
Iran Rejects European ‘Snapback’ Move, Warns Against Pressure in Nuclear Talks
Mojtaba Darabi - Mahboubeh Habibi
