Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that reimposing international sanctions would further complicate the ongoing issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme. His remarks came just before an upcoming meeting with Britain, France, and Germany—collectively known as the E3.
The meeting is part of diplomatic efforts to address rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities, which have drawn increased scrutiny from Western nations.
The E3 has indicated that unless progress is made by the end of August, they may trigger the “snapback” mechanism. This would reinstate United Nations sanctions on Iran that were lifted as part of the 2015 nuclear agreement, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). These sanctions were originally removed in exchange for Iran agreeing to limit its nuclear activities under strict international oversight.
Iran Calls Out Double Standards as Nuclear Deal Faces Renewed Sanctions and Strain
Gharibabadi criticized the E3’s stance, arguing that the snapback mechanism has no legal basis, especially given the broader context of the nuclear deal’s unraveling. He emphasized that Iran will present its position at the upcoming meeting in Istanbul and hopes to explore common ground to manage the growing tensions.
He also noted that Iran sees a double standard at play, since European nations have also failed to fully comply with the nuclear deal since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018.
Iran continues to assert that its nuclear programme is purely for civilian use and denies any intention to develop nuclear weapons. The situation remains sensitive, as the remaining parties to the deal, China, Russia, and the E3, attempt to preserve what is left of the 2015 agreement amid increased diplomatic strain and conflicting accusations of non-compliance.
