France, Britain, and Germany activated the mechanism to reinstate United Nations sanctions on Iran following its failure to adhere to nuclear commitments, reports 24brussels.
This move by the European trio—referred to as the E3—comes shortly after diplomatic discussions between Iranian and European representatives in Geneva and amidst ongoing tensions following a 12-day conflict initiated by Israel’s military actions in June.
The decision arrives just ahead of the October 18 deadline for activating the snapback mechanism, a timeline that adds urgency to the situation.
For over twenty years, Western nations have expressed concerns regarding Iran’s potential pursuit of nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian energy program, claims that Tehran firmly rejects.
In a joint statement, British Foreign Minister David Lammy, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot asserted that Iran’s failure to comply with the 2015 agreement is “clear and deliberate.”
They stated that Iran has “no civilian justification” for its elevated stockpile of enriched uranium, categorizing its nuclear endeavors as a “clear threat to international peace and security.”
Barrot noted on X that “Iran’s nuclear escalation must not go any further,” while emphasizing that this action “does not signal the end of diplomacy.”
He added that there is a 30-day window for possible negotiations, expressing a commitment to engage in dialogue with Iran.
‘Iran will respond appropriately’
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that the Islamic Republic will respond suitably to the “illegal and unjustified action” of the three European nations to safeguard its national rights and interests, according to a statement from the Iranian foreign ministry.
He urged the three countries to “appropriately correct this wrong decision in the coming days.”
While Araghchi did not outline specific retaliatory actions, Iran has previously warned that such a decision could exclude the European nations from future negotiations concerning its nuclear activities.
Iran further contended that the decision would jeopardize its cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog.
“This decision by the three European countries will severely undermine the ongoing process of interaction and cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” the foreign ministry stated, characterizing the move as a “provocative and unnecessary escalation.”
US welcomes ‘snapback’ of sanctions
The 2015 nuclear agreement aimed to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions but deteriorated significantly after former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord and allegations of Iranian non-compliance surged.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented Thursday that Washington is seeking direct negotiations with Iran to resolve its nuclear program following the European powers’ decision to restore sanctions.
Rubio praised the Europeans’ enforcement of the snapback mechanism, a measure he had long advocated while in favor of maintaining pathways for direct diplomacy with Iran.
“Snapback does not contradict our earnest readiness for diplomacy; it only enhances it,” Rubio stated.
He urged Iranian leaders to take immediate steps to ensure their nation never attains nuclear weapon capability, promoting a path of peace to advance the well-being of the Iranian populace.
Nuclear discussions between Tehran and Washington, which commenced in April with the goal of establishing a new agreement, were interrupted by the ongoing conflict with Israel, during which the US also targeted Iranian nuclear installations.
An emergency UN Security Council meeting will convene on Friday behind closed doors to discuss the European powers’ actions to reimpose sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear undertakings, according to diplomatic sources.
(vib)
