Iran (IMNA) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described this move as “unjustified, illegal, and lacking any legal basis,” emphasizing that Iran will respond appropriately to safeguard its national rights and interests.
Araghchi highlighted that Iran has maintained a commitment to diplomacy and transparency despite the initiation of the snapback process, which is a veto-proof measure embedded in the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). He stated, “Iran has acted responsibly and in good faith in adhering to diplomacy for resolving nuclear-related issues,” and affirmed Iran's firm stance on defending its rights under international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
On Thursday, the three European countries, coordinated with the EU foreign policy chief, formally notified Iran by phone of their intention to inform the UN Security Council to start the “dispute resolution” process under the JCPOA framework, triggering a 30-day countdown that could lead to reimposed UN sanctions, which have been suspended since 2015.
Araghchi expressed hope that the European countries would reconsider and reverse their decision, urging them to adopt a responsible approach and understand the existing realities to correct their mistake in the coming days.
The snapback mechanism allows any JCPOA participant to declare Iran non-compliant and automatically restore UN sanctions without a Security Council veto. The sanctions could involve freezing Iranian assets abroad, banning arms sales, and targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program.
Iran has consistently rejected renewed sanctions, asserting its nuclear program is peaceful and compliant with international obligations. Since the US withdrew unilaterally from the JCPOA in 2018, Tehran has gradually reduced its voluntary cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing Europe's failure to support Iran under the deal and circumvent US sanctions.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that if the snapback proceeds, Iran will end its cooperation with the IAEA, saying, “If they opt for snapback, it makes no sense for Iran to continue working with them.” Iran contends that the European countries lack both the legal right and moral authority to trigger the snapback mechanism.
Meanwhile, Russia has reportedly circulated a draft resolution proposing to extend the current JCPOA arrangement, under which the snapback provision would be prolonged but its activation prevented for at least six months.
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