Moscow: Russia has come out strongly against the decision of Britain, France, and Germany to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran by triggering the controversial “snapback” mechanism, calling the move a grave misstep that threatens to further destabilize the Middle East and undermine diplomatic channels for resolving the nuclear crisis.
The European trio, known as the E3, announced this week that they were activating the snapback clause under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which enshrined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The mechanism allows for the automatic reinstatement of pre-2015 UN sanctions if Iran is found to be violating its obligations. By setting the process in motion, Europe has triggered a 30-day countdown, after which sanctions including arms embargoes, financial restrictions, and caps on nuclear-related activity will return unless blocked by the Security Council. Given the structure of the resolution, however, such blocking is virtually impossible, meaning the sanctions will automatically come back into effect.
Reacting sharply, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused the E3 of deliberately escalating tensions and undermining the fragile diplomatic framework that remains. In her statement, she described the move as a “serious destabilising factor,” arguing that the West itself was responsible for the collapse of the nuclear deal after the United States unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018. Zakharova emphasized that the snapback decision was illegitimate and counterproductive, insisting that dialogue, not pressure, was the only path forward. She further urged the international community to reject Europe’s move, framing it as part of a broader Western agenda to isolate Iran rather than seek solutions.
The European powers, however, defended their decision by citing Iran’s continued violations of nuclear limits, including uranium enrichment far beyond the levels permitted under the deal. They argue that the snapback is a necessary measure to uphold international security, prevent nuclear proliferation, and hold Tehran accountable. Yet, the decision has split the international community. While China has called for a six-month delay to allow diplomacy more time, Russia is outright opposing the reimposition, warning that it will fuel Iranian defiance and push the region closer to conflict.
The fallout of the announcement has already begun to show ripple effects. Germany has issued a travel advisory to its nationals in Iran, urging them to leave immediately amid concerns of possible retaliation from Tehran. The advisory signals real fears that the sanctions could provoke a backlash not only against Western governments but also foreign nationals and businesses operating in Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran has categorically rejected the European step, calling it unlawful and politically motivated. Tehran has warned that it will respond firmly to any attempts to impose restrictions, framing the decision as yet another breach of commitments by Western powers. Analysts caution that the move may embolden hardliners in Iran, weaken moderates who still advocate engagement, and reduce the prospects of reviving the nuclear deal through negotiations.
With Washington, London, Paris, and Berlin presenting a united front, and Moscow and Beijing lining up against the sanctions, the reactivation of the snapback mechanism has become more than a dispute over nuclear compliance it has evolved into yet another geopolitical fault line in the rivalry between East and West. As the 30-day countdown ticks, the world is watching to see whether sanctions will be reinstated, and more importantly, how Tehran will respond to the renewed wave of international pressure.