UN Sanctions Snap Back on Iran

After the UN Security Council failed to adopt a Russia- and China-backed delay, U.N. sanctions snapped back on Iran at midnight GMT following Britain, France and Germany's invocation of the JCPOA snapback mechanism. The reinstated measures target Iran's nuclear and ballistic-missile activities and include arms embargoes, asset freezes and other restrictions expected to further squeeze its struggling economy. Tehran recalled its ambassadors to the UK, France and Germany, condemned the snapback as "irresponsible" and warned of a decisive response while insisting its nuclear work is peaceful. Western ministers and U.S. officials urged immediate implementation and called on Iran to enter direct talks, even as Russia and China denounced the move as illegitimate. Iran has allowed IAEA inspectors back to some sites but rejected Western offers it called unacceptable, and recent U.S. and Israeli strikes have further inflamed the situation.