Iran Warns Europe of Dire Consequences Over ‘Snapback’ Sanctions Move

TEHRAN: Iran has strongly condemned the decision by Britain, France, and Germany to trigger the “snapback” mechanism of sanctions, warning that the move will undermine diplomacy and further isolate Europe on the global stage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post on his X account Friday, said the action by the European trio (E3) would render them a “permanently spent force” in international affairs. His warning came a day after the three countries invoked the mechanism under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The mechanism, defined in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, reinstates pre-2015 sanctions on Tehran in response to alleged “significant non-compliance.” It also sets a 30-day countdown for the restoration of terminated UN Security Council measures.

Araghchi blasted the European powers for acting “on behalf of the U.S. and Israel” and described their decision as “immoral, unjustified, and unlawful.” He accused the E3 of punishing Iran while rewarding aggressors who continue military strikes against his country.

“It is disturbing that the European troika now frames this reckless gambit as diplomacy,” he said, stressing that Iran had remained committed to the JCPOA despite Washington’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 and Europe’s failure to uphold its obligations.

The minister also cited Europe’s failure to honor its commitments on the deal’s Transition Day in October 2023, instead imposing new sanctions on Iran’s aviation and shipping sectors.

Araghchi warned that triggering the snapback clause would have “severe consequences” for diplomacy, Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the credibility of the UN Security Council itself. He urged the global body to reject what he called “political manipulations” by the E3.

Russia and China, both permanent members of the Security Council and JCPOA signatories, also condemned the European move. Moscow cautioned against “irreparable consequences,” while Beijing labeled the step “not constructive.”

As tensions mount, Tehran has hinted at an “appropriate response” if Europe proceeds with the sanctions restoration, raising fears of a further breakdown in the already fragile nuclear accord.