Iran condemns E3 move to trigger UN sanctions mechanism

Iran strongly condemned the move by the E3 countries to appeal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to activate the “snapback mechanism,” which could reinstate sanctions against Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the European decision as an “unjust act without legal basis,” stressing that Iran would respond accordingly.

E3 countries’ justification

The E3 — the United Kingdom, France, and Germany — submitted their request to the UNSC, arguing that Iran has failed to comply with its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement. The European governments claim that Tehran continues to obstruct inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), refuses to implement additional protocols, and thereby violates the accord.

In a joint statement signed by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, the E3 stressed that Iran’s failure to uphold its obligations necessitates the reinstatement of UN sanctions as a step to safeguard international peace.

Under the “snapback mechanism,” any state party that believes Iran is in significant non-compliance may appeal to the UNSC. This triggers a 30-day period during which the Council must adopt a new resolution affirming the lifting of sanctions. If no resolution is passed, the UN sanctions that were lifted in 2015 will automatically be reimposed.

These sanctions include an arms embargo on Iran, a ban on developing missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, as well as various economic and travel restrictions.

Iran’s strong reaction

Foreign Minister Araghchi condemned the E3 request as an “illegitimate action without legal foundation,” declaring that Iran would defend its national rights and respond in kind. He emphasized that while Iran remains committed to diplomacy, European governments must correct what he called their “wrongful measure.”

Araghchi also accused European countries of failing to uphold their own core obligations under the nuclear agreement. Tehran warned that this move would undermine international cooperation and damage the credibility of the UNSC.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry further warned that the European decision would weaken Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA: “The decision by the three European states will seriously undermine the ongoing interaction and cooperation process between Iran and the Agency.” The statement added that Tehran would respond to this “provocative” move.

US support, EU call for diplomacy

The United States welcomed the E3 decision. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Iran had failed to fulfill its commitments and pledged US support to push the process forward at the UNSC.

The European Union, however, announced it would use the 30-day window to seek a diplomatic resolution and prevent the return of sanctions. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stressed the need to pursue negotiations with Iran and find a diplomatic path forward.