Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated on the 28th that Iran will give an appropriate response to the activation of the 'snapback sanctions' mechanism by the UK, France, and Germany.
The foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany, as well as the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, held a phone call with Araghchi on the same day to inform Iran that the European side would formally notify the UN Security Council that day, immediately triggering the 'snapback sanctions' mechanism. The process of restoring sanctions against Iran will take 30 days, and the three countries are willing to seek a diplomatic solution within this 30-day period to prevent the reactivation of Security Council sanctions resolutions against Iran.
Araghchi emphasized that the actions of the three countries have no legitimate grounds, are illegal, and lack any legal basis.
He said Iran has always maintained a responsible and goodwill posture, striving to resolve disputes related to the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means. In order to safeguard its legitimate rights and national interests, Iran will take an appropriate response to this illegal and improper action by the three countries.
Araghchi pointed out that Iran will resolutely defend its rights in accordance with international law and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). He hopes the three countries will take a responsible attitude, recognize the reality, and correct this wrong move in the coming days.
'Snapback Sanctions' on Iran Enter 30-Day Countdown
The foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement on the 28th regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, indicating that the three countries notified the UN Security Council to activate the 'snapback sanctions' mechanism that day. If the Security Council fails to adopt a resolution to extend the sanctions waiver for Iran within 30 days, the relevant sanctions will be reinstated.
The joint statement published on the website of the UK Foreign Office said that since 2019, Iran has failed to fulfill the Comprehensive Agreement on the Iranian Nuclear Issue.
The statement warned that, according to the 'snapback sanctions' mechanism, if the Security Council fails to adopt a resolution to extend the Iranian sanctions waiver within 30 days as of now, the Security Council’s previous six resolutions against Iran, including sanctions, will be reinstated. At the same time, the three countries will continue to engage with Iran during this 30-day period.
According to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Iranian Nuclear Issue signed in 2015, Iran committed to limiting its nuclear program, and the international community lifted sanctions against Iran. The UN Security Council subsequently adopted Resolution 2231 to endorse the agreement. This resolution includes the 'snapback sanctions' mechanism, allowing signatories to take measures in response to Iranian violations. The validity of this mechanism will expire on October 18 this year.