Iran Issues Stark Warning to E3 on Nuclear Deal Violations
Iran has warned the United Kingdom, France, and Germany against invoking the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, stating that such a move would have irreversible consequences and lacks any legal standing, reports 24brussels.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi issued the warning on September 14, criticizing the E3’s initiative to restore UN sanctions against Tehran. He stated, “Not only do the E3 have no legal, political, or moral right to invoke ‘snapback,’ but even if they did, the idea of ‘use it or lose it’ does not apply.” 그는 “E3의 딜레마를 설명하기 위한 올바른 방법은: 사용하고 잃거나, 더 나아가, 사용하고 모든 것을 잃는 것”이라고 말했다.
Araqchi emphasized that triggering the snapback mechanism would eliminate any leverage the European states currently possess. He warned that Iran could respond with “fundamental retaliatory measures,” which may include ending a recently established agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or even withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Iran characterized the E3’s actions as illegal and unjustified, citing their own failure to fulfill obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) following the US withdrawal in May 2018. Alongside Russia and China, Tehran asserts that the European powers have forfeited their right to invoke the snapback mechanism after reinstating sanctions that the initial agreement aimed to lift.
The snapback clause, established in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, permits any participant in the JCPOA to trigger the reinstatement of all UN sanctions lifted under the agreement if Iran is found to be in “significant non-performance” of its commitments. Should measures be reimposed, they would encompass extensive restrictions, including bans on arms transfers and nuclear-related equipment, limits on uranium enrichment, banking restrictions, asset freezes, and travel bans.
Iran argues that invoking the snapback mechanism would jeopardize the JCPOA entirely and heighten tensions, stripping the E3 of any remaining influence over Iran’s nuclear agenda.
