Iran has rejected the European Troika’s snapback mechanism claims, citing their failure to meet obligations under the nuclear deal. Russia supports this position, calling the claims illegitimate. Iran remains committed to non-proliferation and is open to restoring its commitments, contingent on sanctions removal. Tensions rise with Europe’s latest demands and Iran’s warnings about potentially exiting the NPT.
TEHRAN – Iran has firmly rejected the European Troika’s initiative to use the snapback mechanism from the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran contends that the UK, France, and Germany lack the legal and moral authority to enforce this mechanism due to their failure to fulfill their commitments under the deal. Mohsen Naziri-e Asl, the Iranian representative to international organizations, emphasized that these countries have violated UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, rendering their snapback claims invalid.
Naziri-e Asl reiterated Iran’s commitment to non-proliferation and its lack of interest in developing nuclear weapons. Despite Iran’s long history of compliance with the JCPOA, it has not seen meaningful benefits from this adherence. Iran indicated readiness to honor its commitments but insists that the U.S. and Europe must lift sanctions in a verifiable manner before proceeding.
Russia has also condemned the European Troika’s claims regarding the snapback mechanism. Mikhail Ulyanov, the Russian Ambassador to the IAEA, labeled such attempts as illegitimate, calling on Europe to abandon their illusions about reinstating sanctions and prioritize diplomatic engagement. Ulyanov noted that the JCPOA is a fragile diplomatic agreement that requires all parties to adhere to their responsibilities.
Ulyanov pointed out that the United States violated UN resolution 2231 in 2018 by exiting the deal and imposing sanctions on Iran. According to him, the European nations failed to counter U.S. sanctions effectively and subsequently aligned themselves with Washington by unlawfully reinstating expired restrictions. He claimed that Iran demonstrated significant patience and only began rolling back its commitments after relentless diplomatic efforts were unsuccessful.
The Russian diplomat stressed that Iran’s uranium enrichment to 60% was a measured response to Western breaches of the agreement. His rhetorical question highlighted a crucial point: whether Iran has the right to activate JCPOA protective measures. He affirmed this right unequivocally, emphasizing that Iran’s adjustments to its nuclear activities fall within its legal entitlements as outlined in Resolution 2231.
Ulyanov criticized European threats to invoke snapback sanctions, describing such rhetoric as irresponsible and unlawful. He claimed that countries in violation of Resolution 2231 forfeit their rights to trigger its mechanisms, reinforcing his assertion with references to previous International Court rulings. He urged European leaders to pivot away from coercive approaches and toward diplomacy.
With only six months remaining until the JCPOA Implementation Day, Russia is encouraging reinvigorated diplomatic discussions. Ulyanov highlighted the importance of constructive communication between Iran and the other JCPOA parties, warning against any further escalation that could hinder diplomacy. He emphasized that accusations and military threats against Iran must cease, as they pose risks for escalation into severe crises.
Iran has consistently complied with its JCPOA commitments since its signing, while the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018. The European nations failed to meet their obligations, prompting Iran to legally reduce its commitments amid stalled revival discussions due to Western reluctance. Despite these setbacks, Iran continues to engage diplomatically with the IAEA, showing willingness to restore the deal contingent on sanctions relief. Recent discussions in Geneva further illustrate Iran’s preference for dialogue.
The snapback mechanism remains contentious. During his presidency, Donald Trump pressured European nations to activate snapback sanctions even before Iran began 60% uranium enrichment. Under this mechanism, pre-JCPOA sanctions could return, forcing Iran to halt critical nuclear-related projects. Additionally, escalating tensions were evident after Europe’s latest resolution at the IAEA Board of Governors, which demanded a comprehensive report on Iran’s nuclear activities by Spring 2025, perceived by Tehran as hostile.
In light of these developments, Iran has warned of possible withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) should the snapback mechanism be fully invoked. This warning was articulated by diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi following talks with European representatives in December 2024.
Iran has categorically rejected the European Troika’s invocation of the snapback mechanism, arguing that such actions lack legal standing due to the Troika’s own failures in upholding their commitments. Russia supports Iran’s stance, labeling the attempts as illegitimate and urging a shift towards diplomatic solutions. Despite these challenges, Iran continues to express its willingness to engage diplomatically with the goal of restoring the JCPOA under the right conditions, specifically addressing sanctions relief.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
