Iran FM Denounces European Sanctions Move As Illegal, Irresponsible
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi condemned UK, France and Germany for seeking to reinstate UN sanctions against Tehran, calling the decision “illegal and irresponsible.”
In talks with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Araqchi said the European powers lacked justification for triggering the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal.
“The insistence on reviving these resolutions is not only legally baseless but a betrayal of diplomacy,” he said, according to a statement from Iran’s foreign ministry.
Araqchi strongly criticized the position of the three European countries as unjustified, illegal and irresponsible strategy aimed at depriving the Iranian people of their rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
He said their insistence on reviving these resolutions is not only legally baseless but also a betrayal of diplomacy.
He said their actions aligned with the “inhumane” U.S. policy of maximum pressure, adding that the Europeans had remained silent over illegal attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
On August 28, the three European signatories to the 2015 accord—Britain, France and Germany—told the UN Security Council they had activated the snapback mechanism, a 30-day process to restore sanctions that were lifted under the deal.
The notification came after the council rejected a draft resolution seeking to permanently lift nuclear-related measures.
Unless a new agreement is reached, sanctions will automatically return by September 28.
Araqchi warned that reimposing the measures could trigger unpredictable consequences, with responsibility falling on those who initiated the process.
He noted that Iran had repeatedly put forward proposals to preserve diplomacy and reduce tensions.
“Neither sanctions, nor military attack, nor diplomatic pressure can divert a nation that has decided to preserve its independence and dignity,” he said.
The UN Security Council is set to review Iran’s nuclear program on Friday, as China and Russia prepare a draft resolution to extend talks by six months.
The measure would urge all original parties, including the United States, to immediately resume negotiations, though diplomats doubt it will gain enough support to pass.
Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to undertake swift action to avoid sanctions, emphasizing the need for Iran to allow unrestricted access to UN nuclear inspectors and offer transparency regarding its enrichment activities.
