Dubai: Iran has publicly asserted its ability to overcome any renewed United Nations sanctions, following the Security Council’s decision not to permanently lift restrictions. In a televised address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the country’s resilience, declaring, “Through the ‘snapback’ they block the road, but it is the brains and the thoughts that open or build the road.” He underlined that external pressures, including attacks on nuclear facilities, will not deter Iran from advancing its strategic and technological capabilities.
Pezeshkian specifically referred to previous assaults on Iran’s Natanz and Fordow nuclear sites, attacked in June by U.S. and Israeli operations, stating, “They cannot stop us. They can strike our Natanz or Fordow, but they are unaware that it is humans who built and will rebuild Natanz.” His remarks reflect a defiant posture, signaling that Iran intends to persist with its nuclear and technological programs despite international pressures.
The “snapback” mechanism, initiated by Britain, France, and Germany, allows the temporary reimposition of sanctions if Tehran fails to meet compliance benchmarks under the 2015 nuclear agreement. The reinstated measures would target arms sales, uranium enrichment, ballistic missile activities, as well as impose asset freezes and travel bans on designated Iranian individuals and entities. European powers argue that Iran has not fully adhered to the terms of the nuclear deal, which was originally designed to prevent the development of nuclear weapons.
Iran has consistently denied any intent to develop nuclear weapons, and Pezeshkian’s comments reaffirm Tehran’s refusal to yield to what it considers “excessive demands.” Analysts suggest that Iran’s defiance is also a strategic message to the international community, emphasizing its capability to navigate and counter sanctions through domestic innovation and self-reliance.
Diplomatic efforts remain ongoing, with a critical window of approximately one week for Iran and European powers to negotiate a delay or adjustment of the sanctions process. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for regional security, global nuclear diplomacy, and Tehran’s future engagement with the international community.