Europe Initiates Iran Sanctions Snapback, UN Ends Lebanon Peacekeeping

The European trio of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have initiated the 'snapback' mechanism under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran due to its significant violations, including enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels and restricting International Atomic Energy Agency inspections. This move, supported by the US, poses a 30-day window for negotiations before sanctions are fully reinstated, though Iran rejects the process's legality and refuses to alter its nuclear stance. The snapback aims to penalize Iran for its nuclear advancements and regional aggression, particularly in light of Israel's recent military successes against Iranian proxies, signaling a shift in Middle Eastern strategic dynamics. Critics acknowledge sanctions' harsh impact on ordinary Iranians but argue that unchecked Iranian nuclear and military ambitions would cause greater harm. The renewed sanctions are expected to further damage Iran's economy by restricting oil exports and investment while curbing its military capabilities through an arms embargo. Iran's reaction includes potential proportional responses and discussions about withdrawing from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, highlighting the escalating diplomatic and security tensions.