Why It Matters:
The snapback debate shows how Western states, particularly the U.S., U.K., and France, are attempting to impose unilateral interpretations of Resolution 2231 on Iran, despite opposition from other members of the Security Council.
The acknowledgment of division within the UN underscores that the legitimacy of renewed sanctions is contested, undermining the 'narrative of international consensus' against Tehran.
The Big Picture:
The Security Council’s inability to reach a consensus reflects broader geopolitical divides: Western states push for punitive measures, while others question their legality and effectiveness.
The division demonstrates that attempts to isolate Iran lack universal support. The continued emphasis on diplomacy, even from adversarial states, signals that negotiations remain the only viable option for resolving the nuclear issue, reinforcing Tehran’s argument that pressure cannot dictate outcomes.
What she's saying:
DiCarlo noted that several member states rejected the legitimacy and impact of the snapback process, describing it as legally and procedurally flawed.
She recalled that in August 2025, the E3 (France, Germany, and the U.K.) notified the Council of their intention to trigger the snapback mechanism, citing what they called Iran’s “significant non-performance” under the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). When the Council failed to adopt a resolution to extend sanctions relief within 30 days, previous UN sanctions were automatically reinstated on September 27, 2025.
Flashback:
In 2015, Iran and the 5+1 countries (the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, China, and Russia) signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which lifted some sanctions on Iran in exchange for Iran curbing its nuclear activities. However, the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement and ramped up sanctions on Iran. The European parties also stopped fulfilling their commitments under the JCPOA.
In response, Iran took countermeasures within the framework of the JCPOA, but the U.S. and European parties insisted that Iran must adhere to the agreement unilaterally. As a result, they triggered snapback sanctions against Iran.
Go deeper:
Iran Denounces IAEA Resolution as Political Cover for US–EU Failures
Hossein Amiri - seyed mohammad kazemi
