Tehran: Iran has cautioned that any move to reinstate United Nations sanctions would deepen tensions surrounding its nuclear programme. Speaking to state media ahead of a crucial diplomatic meeting, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserted that such actions would only complicate the already delicate situation.
The warning comes days before a scheduled meeting in Istanbul with the E3 nations Britain, France, and Germany who are key players in the 2015 nuclear agreement. The European trio has indicated that, in the absence of progress by the end of August, they may resort to the "snapback" mechanism. This provision allows for the reimposition of UN sanctions that were previously lifted in exchange for Iran curbing its nuclear activities under the terms of the deal.
Gharibabadi dismissed the legality of the snapback mechanism, saying, "We will present our stance on the E3’s remarks, as we believe their legal foundation for such action is baseless." Despite this, he added, "Our aim is to explore whether mutual solutions can be reached to navigate the current impasse."
The nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has been on uncertain ground since the U.S. withdrew in 2018 and reimposed unilateral sanctions. While China and Russia remain committed to the deal alongside the E3, enforcement has been inconsistent.
Gharibabadi also criticized the European parties for not honoring their own commitments under the accord since the U.S. exit. “For seven years, the Europeans have failed to uphold their side of the deal. It's contradictory to accuse Iran of non-compliance when they themselves have defaulted,” he argued.
Iran continues to insist that its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful, civilian purposes and denies any ambitions to develop nuclear weapons.