Iran Warns EU3 about Fallout of Invoking Snapback Mechanism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned the European troika that any move to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal would lack legal and moral grounds and carry serious consequences.
Araqchi made the comments in telephone conversations with his counterparts from the UK, France and Germany as well as the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
During the talks, he outlined Iran’s position on the so-called snapback mechanism and stressed the responsibility of the EU3 and the EU in this regard.
Araqchi warned that the three European states lack the legal and moral authority to invoke the mechanism and cautioned about the consequences of such a move.
The foreign minister emphasized that while Iran firmly defends itself, it has never abandoned diplomacy and remains ready for any solution that guarantees the rights and interests of the Iranian people.
Responding to the repeated suggestion from the Europeans for the extension of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 to provide more time for diplomacy, Araqchi stated that such a decision comes solely with the purview of the UN Security Council.
He stated that although Iran maintains its principled positions on the matter, it would not get involved in that process.
At the same time, Iran will continue consultations with its friends in the Security Council regarding the implications of such a step and the path ahead, Araqchi added.
For their part, the EU3 and the EU’s foreign policy chief reiterated their willingness to find a diplomatic solution.
It was agreed that the talks among Iran, the EU3, and the European Union will resume next Tuesday at the level of deputy foreign ministers.
