MP Outlines Scenarios for Iran’s Response to Snapback Mechanism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – An Iranian lawmaker warned the European troika that their bid to trigger the so-called snapback provisions of the 2015 nuclear deal will compel Iran to take a series of measures in retaliation, including withdrawal from the NPT and uranium enrichment above 60 percent purity.
Speaking to Tasnim, Ebrahim Rezaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, cautioned the UK, France and Germany that resorting to the snapback mechanism of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will have consequences.
Iran has not fully exploited its capacities so far and may go for multiple other strategic options if necessary, he said.
While Iran has suspended the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol and is still a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the continuation of external pressures may lead to a shift in Iran’s policies, the MP added.
Rezaei reminded the Western governments that pressuring Iran will force the country to consider a series of plans, such as withdrawal from the NPT, an increase in the level of uranium enrichment to over 60 percent purity, the production and export of advanced centrifuge machines, and beginning of broader nuclear cooperation.
He noted that even if the EU3 formally initiates the snapback mechanism, it won’t bring about any substantial change in the status of sanctions, because Iran is already faced with the toughest international sanctions.
Last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned the European troika that triggering the snapback mechanism will complicate matters further, end the EU3’s role in the talks on Iran’s nuclear program, and do irreparable damages to diplomatic relations.
