U.S. lawmakers advocate for Europe to impose snapback sanctions on Iran due to violations of the 2015 nuclear deal. The bipartisan legislation aims to follow President Trump’s maximum pressure strategy, focusing on Iran’s nuclear threat and terrorism sponsorship. Key senators emphasize the urgency of restoring sanctions before the nuclear deal ends in 2025.
U.S. lawmakers are urging Europe to reinstate strict United Nations sanctions on Iran, citing violations of the 2015 nuclear agreement. A bipartisan resolution urges the U.K., France, and Germany to implement ‘snapback’ sanctions via the UN Security Council, following the U.S. approach under President Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ policy aimed at isolating Iran over its nuclear ambitions.
Senator Pete Ricketts emphasized Iran’s role as a primary state sponsor of terrorism, linking its actions to the deaths of American servicemembers. He stated that Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities endanger both the U.S. and its allies, asserting that snapback sanctions are vital for the efficacy of the pressure campaign.
In the House, Reps. Claudia Tenney and Josh Gottheimer introduced related legislation. Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran received relief from international sanctions in exchange for commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons. However, Iran limited access to inspectors and resumed nuclear activities, prompting calls for reinstating sanctions.
The ‘snapback’ clause allows any signatory country to demand reinstatement of sanctions if Iran violates terms. Although the U.S. withdrew from the agreement, the Biden administration has faced challenges in re-establishing a new deal. Tenney stressed the importance of Europe acting on snapback sanctions before the deal lapses in October 2025.
Iran has reportedly increased its uranium enrichment levels to nearly 60%, which raises concerns as it approaches weapons-grade purity. The U.N. has indicated that there is no legitimate civilian use for uranium enriched to this level. The U.K, France, and Germany indicated readiness to activate snapback sanctions if required.
President Trump, expressing reservations about the sanctions, stressed that he preferred pursuing a diplomatic resolution to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. However, he declared the priority remains securing nuclear peace without military confrontation. Conversely, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeled negotiations with the U.S. ineffective, asserting the need for advancing Iran’s military capabilities significantly.
The resolution by U.S. lawmakers reflects a bipartisan push to address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities, urging Europe to implement snapback sanctions. The situation underscores the complexities of international diplomacy regarding nuclear non-proliferation, the strategic maneuvering within the U.N. Security Council, and the ongoing risks associated with Iran’s nuclear advancements. Calls for sanctions and military preparedness signal a heightened tension in international relations surrounding Iran.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
