Iran Rejects European Troika’s Snapback Mechanism Claims, Citing Legal Concerns
Iran has rejected the European Troika’s attempts to invoke the snapback mechanism, citing their failure to meet commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal. Iranian officials assert a willingness to restore commitments if sanctions are verifiably lifted. Russia has also condemned the Troika’s claims, urging diplomatic engagement instead of sanctions. The situation underscores the fragility of the JCPOA and the necessity for collaborative dialogue among involved parties.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has firmly opposed the efforts by the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to activate the ‘snapback mechanism’ associated with the 2015 nuclear agreement. Iran contends that these European nations lack both legal and moral authority to invoke such measures, as they have failed to fulfill their own obligations under the accord. Mohsen Naziri-e Asl, Iran’s representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), articulated this position during a recent Board of Governors meeting, asserting that the European Troika’s actions violate UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
While maintaining that it does not seek nuclear weapons and remains committed to non-proliferation, Iran expresses frustration at the lack of tangible benefits from its adherence to the JCPOA. Naziri-e Asl reiterated Iran’s willingness to reinstate its commitments, contingent upon the United States and European nations lifting sanctions in a credible manner.
Russia has echoed Iran’s sentiments, with Mikhail Ulyanov, the Russian Ambassador to the IAEA, categorizing the European Troika’s claims as illegitimate. Ulyanov urged the coalition to relinquish their “illusions” regarding the reinstatement of sanctions and to prioritize diplomatic approaches instead. He remarked that the JCPOA is a fragile diplomatic agreement that necessitates compliance from all parties involved, highlighting the U.S. withdrawal from the deal and subsequent measures that undermined its foundation.
Additionally, Ulyanov pointed out that Iran exhibited considerable patience in adhering to its JCPOA commitments, even amid the U.S. sanctions regime. He emphasized that Iran’s uranium enrichment activities were responses to external violations rather than acts of aggression and affirmed Iran’s right to activate JCPOA protective mechanisms. The Ambassador stressed the importance of adhering to Resolution 2231 norms and called for cooperative diplomacy rather than coercion.
As the deadline for the JCPOA Implementation Day approaches in October 2025, Russia advocates for renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve outstanding issues. Ulyanov warned against rising tensions, asserting that military threats and accusations against Iran could trigger serious crisis situations. He proposed that successful arms control negotiations stem from diplomatic engagement rather than pressure tactics.
Despite the challenges presented by stalled revival talks following U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and the ongoing sanctions, Iran has persisted in its dialogue with the IAEA. The country remains committed to restoring the JCPOA with guarantees for sanctions relief. Recent discussions in Geneva reflect Iran’s dedication to diplomatic resolutions related to the nuclear deal.
The contentious issue of the snapback mechanism stems from prior pressures during the Trump administration, which aimed to activate sanctions preemptively even before Iran advanced its uranium enrichment processes. The European Troika’s recent resolutions at the IAEA have further intensified tensions, culminating in demands for comprehensive reporting on Iran’s nuclear activities. Tehran views these actions as overtly hostile.
In light of the threat posed by potential snapback sanctions, Iran has signaled that it may withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). This caution was articulated by Iranian diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi following discussions with European representatives in December 2024, underscoring Iran’s serious stance on maintaining its sovereignty and nuclear capabilities.
In their responses to the European Troika’s attempts to invoke the snapback mechanism, both Iran and Russia have articulated a strong rejection. Iran emphasizes the lack of legal grounds for these claims, asserting its commitment to non-proliferation while demanding sanctions relief as a prerequisite for restoring compliance. Concurrently, Russia criticizes the illegitimacy of the Troika’s actions and stresses the importance of diplomatic resolution over coercive tactics. The potential implications of these tensions highlight the fragility of the JCPOA and the urgent need for constructive dialogue.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
