Iran’s difficulties have intensified. The United Nations (UN) has reinstated sanctions against Iran due to its nuclear program. These sanctions encompass an arms embargo, restrictions on nuclear-capable missiles, asset freezes, and travel restrictions. The Iranian economy is already under pressure, and these sanctions are expected to worsen the economic situation.
This action was prompted by major European nations, while Tehran has warned of a robust response. The sanctions were reimposed under the ‘snapback’ mechanism, part of the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) between Iran and global powers.
The ‘snapback’ mechanism, part of the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA), allows for the automatic reinstatement of all previous UN sanctions within 30 days without the need for Security Council approval if any party establishes that Iran is not adhering to the agreement. This includes freezing Iranian assets, halting arms sales, restricting ballistic missile programs, imposing travel bans, and preventing the transfer of nuclear technology, leading to the reimposition of sanctions on Iran.
Britain, France, and Germany have accused Iran of violating the 2015 nuclear agreement, intended to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Despite these allegations, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated at the UN General Assembly in New York that Iran does not intend to develop nuclear weapons. He reiterated that Iran has never attempted, nor will it attempt, to create a nuclear bomb. Despite his statement, sanctions have been reimposed.
The dissolution of this decade-old nuclear agreement could heighten tensions in the Middle East, especially considering that the United States and Israel conducted bombing raids on Iranian nuclear sites three months earlier.
Foreign ministers from Britain, France, and Germany issued a joint statement, urging Iran and all nations to fully adhere to these proposals and to maintain diplomatic channels and dialogue. They asserted that the reimposition of UN sanctions does not signal the end of diplomacy.
Russia opposed the decision. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called it illegal and unenforceable. He informed UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a letter that recognizing the sanctions’ return would be a significant error.
While Iran has threatened a strong reaction to the sanctions, President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran has no plans to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran also recalled its ambassadors to Germany, France, and Britain for consultations, stating that the actions by European countries were irresponsible and would escalate regional instability.