Iran Rejects European Troika Snapback Rights Amid Sanctions Dispute

Iran strongly rejects the European Troika's (UK, France, and Germany) intention to invoke the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, arguing that the Troika lacks the legal, political, and moral authority to do so, as stated by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. The snapback would reactivate six previous UN Security Council resolutions, including an expired arms embargo and sanctions such as export controls, travel bans, and asset freezes. Iran, along with Russia and China, has discussed responses to the possible triggering of the snapback and is considering suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) due to perceived politically motivated resolutions. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council President has noted no official signs yet that the European Troika intends to activate the trigger mechanism, acknowledging complications arising from Iran's cooperation with the IAEA and recent attacks on Iran. The European Troika demands Iran resume nuclear negotiations with the U.S., fully cooperate with the IAEA, and account for enriched uranium, threatening to reinstate sanctions if Iran does not comply, but critics argue that sharing such sensitive information risks espionage and strategic miscalculation by Iran. Despite the threat of renewed sanctions, Iran's economy has developed resilience over years of sanctions, reducing dependence on oil revenues and diversifying its economy, which may mitigate the impact of any new sanction measures.