ALBAWABA- Paris, London, and Berlin have activated the UN “snapback” mechanism against Iran, a move designed to restore sanctions unless Tehran reverses its nuclear breaches.
The three European powers (E3) informed the UN Security Council that Iran’s suspension of IAEA inspections, enrichment up to 60%, and stockpiling of over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium constituted serious violations of the 2015 nuclear deal.
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna stressed the step “does not mean the end of diplomacy,” describing it instead as a bid to revive compliance before the mechanism expires in October.
The German Foreign Office also posted on X that “we have made every effort to reach a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program.
Today, we notified the UNSC of Iran’s significant non-performance of its JCPOA commitments and triggered the snapback mechanism,” in a statement it described as its full declaration.
Under the process, the Security Council has 30 days to extend sanctions relief. If no agreement is reached, pre-2015 UN sanctions will automatically return, targeting Iran’s nuclear, missile, and arms programs, alongside travel bans and asset freezes.
Iran rejects Australia’s accusations of orchestrating antisemitic attacks, vows reciprocal measuresIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denounced the move and vowed a “firm response,” warning Tehran could quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if sanctions are reimposed.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions after Israel-U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June, which spurred Tehran to accelerate its nuclear activities.
Diplomats caution that time is running out for negotiations, as snapback reimposition would take effect by late September unless Iran offers immediate concessions.
