Iran issued a warning today to Britain, France, Germany and the European Union that reinstating sanctions under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) via UN “snapback mechanism” could have severe repercussions–possibly undermining diplomatic prospects altogether.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke directly with European counterparts via phone call; specifically Britain, France, Germany and the EU’s High Representative – emphasizing Iran’s openness to diplomacy so long as its national interests were respected while at the same time warning that Europe lacked legal and moral authority to invoke snapback, warning such a move would carry serious repercussions. PressTV International added this video.
+15 The snapback provision included in UN Security Council Resolution 2231 allows for automatic reinstatement of pre-2015 UN sanctions if Iran violates its commitments significantly without recourse to veto, without possibility for delay or obstruction by third parties. Both Resolution 2231 and JCPOA expire this October, making this summer one of the last opportunities to use this mechanism. |Wikipedia
Iran strongly refutes European claims that it has violated its nuclear obligations, even as Britain, France and Germany threaten to trigger snapback action by August’s end if Iran does not resume serious nuclear diplomacy talks. Tehran has dismissed both legality and legitimacy of such threats; Free Malaysia Today +15 and Financial Times both feature similar coverage on this topic.
Tasnim News reports Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh’s remarks reflect Iran’s hardline position: any attempt at pressuring Tehran with snapback sanctions would be an irreversible miscalculation with potentially irreparable repercussions.
This warning raises the stakes significantly. Iran has already reduced cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after Israeli and U.S. airstrikes hit Iranian nuclear sites last June; any return may depend on whether snapback-style sanctions can be avoided, according to Reuters and AP News (plus 15 minutes).
Europe remains firm in its determination to use sanctions as leverage over Iran, despite threats. The E3 argue that snapback measures are meant to ensure Iran adheres to its commitments–and push Tehran back toward negotiation table. Reuters +9
Financial Times +9 And AP News.
Iranian officials, such as parliamentarians, have recently made more overt threats: warning that Europe and even U.S. cities may fall within Iran’s missile capabilities should sanctions hit hard. Such comments illustrate how increased tensions are already having ripple effects that extend far beyond diplomatic channels.
With such an atmosphere in play, Iran made its message clear: diplomacy remains possible but should not be under passive threat of snapback. According to Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Araghchi, Iran “acts firmly in self-defense while remaining open to discussions that safeguard rights and interests of Iranian people”. PressTV | Tehran Times
As August draws to a close, the world remains attent for an international diplomatic stand-off between Iran and its European allies (E3) that could escalate into full-scale sanctions regime; or will Iran’s warnings deter these moves long enough for negotiations to continue?