Russia Critiques European Threats of Snapback Sanctions Against Iran

Russia condemned the threats from Britain, France, and Germany to reinstate sanctions on Iran, deeming them irresponsible and unlawful. The country urged these nations to focus on diplomatic solutions rather than escalating the situation. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, Iran has adjusted its nuclear commitments while European representatives express their commitment to diplomatic engagement.

Russia has criticized the threats from Britain, France, and Germany regarding the potential snapback of sanctions against Iran, labeling such rhetoric as “irresponsible” and “unlawful.” The Russian government urged these European nations to concentrate on resolving the situation they previously created instead of making threats. The snapback mechanism, established in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), allows any signatory to reimpose UN sanctions if Iran breaches the agreement.

Following the United States’ withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, which led to a policy of maximum pressure on Iran, the other signatories—Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China—failed to uphold Iran’s interests. Iran delayed taking actions for a year after the U.S. exit, hoping for relief from the European nations who had pledged support. As these initiatives faltered, Iran began to reduce its nuclear commitments as permitted under the JCPOA.

During a recent meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Russia’s Permanent Representative Mikhail Ulyanov remarked that the European trio has violated obligations under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA. Ulyanov stated that the intention to penalize Iran for their failures is unjust, emphasizing that their threats are not only irresponsible but also illegal.

Ulyanov recommended that the involved nations, namely Germany, Britain, and France, refrain from indulging in futile threats concerning the snapback. He urged them to focus their energies on finding political and diplomatic solutions to address the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, the European Union’s Ambassador Carl Hallergard reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution regarding the JCPOA. He criticized Iran for escalating the risk of nuclear proliferation and urged it to engage constructively with the IAEA.

Hallergard did not elaborate on the violations committed by the European powers but emphasized the need for Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA to resolve outstanding issues. In support of these efforts, he voiced backing for IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi’s initiatives aimed at fostering constructive engagement with Iran.

In summary, Russia has expressed strong disapproval of the threats made by Britain, France, and Germany concerning the snapback of sanctions against Iran, urging these nations to seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse they have contributed to. Meanwhile, the European Union continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions amid rising tensions related to Iran’s nuclear program. The ongoing dialogue among the parties remains crucial to resolving the unresolved challenges surrounding the JCPOA.

Original Source: en.mehrnews.com