Invoking Snapback Would Draw Iran’s Reaction, FM Warns
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned Europe against triggering the so-called “snapback mechanism” to re-impose the United Nations sanctions on the country, saying it will be met with Tehran’s response.
“If Europe takes this step, it will lose its role in Iran’s nuclear path, and we will respond accordingly,” Araqchi said in a televised interview on Wednesday night.
He argued that European nations had failed to uphold their commitments under the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
“The JCPOA included a dispute resolution mechanism (Article 36) allowing parties to revert to pre-deal conditions if obligations were unmet. We invoked this after the US withdrawal and Europe’s inaction.”
The top diplomat also cautioned that any European move to trigger snapback would have political consequences. “Economically, snapback changes little for Iran, but politically, it matters,” he said.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Araqchi stated that Tehran is prepared to resume nuclear negotiations but requires stronger assurances from the US and European powers.
“We cannot rely on US promises,” he said. “What we need is confidence that if we return to talks, there will be no repeat of past conflicts, and that negotiations will be genuine. This has not yet been guaranteed.”
He dismissed the idea that Iran would concede in talks what it had not lost in conflict. “Our position is stronger now,” he said. “Our facilities may have been damaged, but our resolve remains intact.”
He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear advancements could not be undone. “Can knowledge be erased?” he asked. “Even US officials admit their military actions against Iran failed. Yes, buildings were destroyed, but our scientific progress remains.”
Araqchi highlighted Iran’s willingness to negotiate if the other parties approach talks with realistic expectations. “If they enter negotiations with this understanding, we are ready to engage.”
