Iran and Russia Reject European Troika’s Snapback Claims, Call for Diplomacy

Iran has dismissed the European troika’s attempts to enforce the snapback mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal, asserting that the UK, France, and Germany lack legal standing. Russia has echoed these sentiments, advocating for diplomatic solutions rather than sanctions. Both nations stress the importance of honoring commitments under the JCPOA and warn of potential consequences, including Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT.

Iran has firmly rejected the European troika’s attempts to invoke the snapback mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal. Mohsen Naziri-e Asl, Iran’s representative to international organizations in Vienna, noted that the United Kingdom, France, and Germany lack both legal and moral authority due to their failure to fulfill their commitments under the agreement. He further emphasized Iran’s long-standing dedication to non-proliferation, explaining that the nation has not pursued nuclear weapons despite its disappointment with the JCPOA outcomes.

Naziri-e Asl stated that Iran is prepared to fully comply with its commitments provided that the United States and Europe lift sanctions in a way that can be verified. Meanwhile, Russia has also condemned the European troika’s claims, expressing disbelief at their legitimacy. Mikhail Ulyanov, the Russian Ambassador to the IAEA, criticized the European nations for their unrealistic expectations about reinstating sanctions and urged a focus on diplomatic solutions instead.

Ulyanov highlighted that the JCPOA was a careful diplomatic arrangement that requires all parties to abide by their responsibilities. He pointed out that the United States violated UN Resolution 2231 in 2018 by withdrawing from the agreement and imposing sanctions, at which point the European troika failed to act against these sanctions, later adopting illegal measures aligning with U.S. policy.

Further, Ulyanov articulated that Iran has displayed considerable patience, maintaining compliance with its JCPOA obligations while facing Western violations. He remarked that Iran’s recent uranium enrichment development is a direct result of these violations, quizzing if, under these conditions, Iran can exercise its protective mechanisms, to which he positively affirmed.

Ulyanov asserted that the ongoing allegations against Iran largely arise from its lawful adjustments to nuclear activities, as permitted under Resolution 2231. He urged that Western nations’ threats to implement snapback sanctions were unwarranted, maintaining that violators of Resolution 2231 forfeit the right to invoke its mechanisms. He pointed to historical legal precedents reinforcing this stance.

As the JCPOA Implementation Day approaches in October 2025, Ulyanov called for renewed diplomatic efforts and highlighted the importance of a constructive approach to dialogues among JCPOA parties. He cautioned against further escalations by Western countries, asserting that militaristic threats and political pressure are counterproductive and could lead to crises.

Iran has continuously expressed its willingness to negotiate, despite the unsuccessful revival talks, particularly due to Western reluctance to alleviate sanctions. The recent surge in tensions is exemplified by the IAEA Board of Governors’ resolution demanding a report on Iran’s nuclear activities by Spring 2025, which Iran perceives as an act of hostility.

In light of the hostility surrounding the snapback mechanism, Iran has warned of potential withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), as articulated by Iranian diplomat Majid Takht-Ravanchi after discussions with European representatives in December 2024.

In conclusion, Iran’s rejection of the European troika’s attempt to activate the snapback mechanism underscores its stance on the insufficiencies of European compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal. Both Iran and Russia emphasize the need for genuine diplomatic engagement and adherence to international obligations to resolve ongoing tensions. The future of the JCPOA hangs in balance as both parties call for the lifting of sanctions, maintaining that effective diplomacy is essential in this matter.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com