Tehran — August 28, 2025: Iran denounced the decision by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to trigger the United Nations “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, warning it would retaliate to protect its national interests, reported by Tasnim News Agency.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on Thursday called the move “illegal, unjustified, and lacking any legal basis,” insisting that Tehran has acted in good faith on diplomacy. “Iran will respond appropriately to this unlawful measure to safeguard its rights,” Araqchi said in remarks carried by state media.
The so-called snapback provision, written into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), allows any participant to allege non-compliance and push for the automatic reimposition of UN sanctions without the possibility of a veto. The European trio formally notified Tehran of their decision by phone, setting off a 30-day countdown that could see sanctions return, including an arms embargo, asset freezes, and restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program.
Araqchi urged the Europeans to reconsider, saying, “We hope the three countries, by adopting a responsible approach and recognizing realities, will correct their wrong move in the coming days.”
Tehran has long argued its nuclear program is peaceful and within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Officials accuse Europe of failing to uphold its commitments after the United States unilaterally abandoned the JCPOA in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi issued a sharper warning: “If they opt for snapback, it makes no sense for Iran to continue working with the IAEA,” suggesting Tehran could halt cooperation with international nuclear inspectors.
The dispute marks the most serious challenge to the deal in years, raising fears of renewed escalation between Iran and the West, just as diplomatic channels appeared to narrow further.
