News
August 21, 2025
Iran says Europe has no right to extend deadline for snapback sanctions
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday said European powers had no right to trigger snapback sanctions under a moribund 2015 nuclear deal or extend the October deadline to trigger them.
**Iran Rejects European Authority on Sanctions Deadline**
Tehran – Tensions are rising again between Iran and European powers over the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a firm statement asserting that European nations have no legitimate basis to either initiate the “snapback” of international sanctions or to prolong the existing deadline for doing so.
The snapback mechanism, included in the JCPOA, allows signatories to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran if it is found to be in violation of the agreement. However, since the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under the Trump administration and reimposed its own sanctions, the situation has become increasingly complex and contentious.
Araghchi's statement directly challenges the authority of European countries – particularly France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, collectively known as the E3 – to invoke the snapback provision. He argued that because the U.S. is no longer a participant in the JCPOA, having withdrawn from it, it lacks the standing to trigger the mechanism. Furthermore, he claims that the E3, by adhering to the U.S. position, have forfeited their right to act on this matter.
The October deadline, referenced by Araghchi, likely refers to the expiration of certain restrictions on Iran's missile program under the terms of the original nuclear agreement. These restrictions are set to be lifted in October, but some Western powers, including the U.S. and potentially some European nations, are reportedly seeking to extend them.
Iran vehemently opposes any extension of these restrictions and views any attempt to do so as a violation of the JCPOA. Araghchi’s statement underscores Iran's position that European powers lack the legal or moral authority to alter the agreed-upon terms of the deal.
The future of the JCPOA remains uncertain, with relations between Iran and the West strained. Araghchi’s comments suggest that Iran is prepared to strongly resist any attempts to reimpose or extend sanctions, further complicating efforts to revive the nuclear agreement and ease tensions in the region. The coming months could prove crucial in determining whether the JCPOA can be salvaged or if it will continue to unravel.
Tehran – Tensions are rising again between Iran and European powers over the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a firm statement asserting that European nations have no legitimate basis to either initiate the “snapback” of international sanctions or to prolong the existing deadline for doing so.
The snapback mechanism, included in the JCPOA, allows signatories to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran if it is found to be in violation of the agreement. However, since the United States unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018 under the Trump administration and reimposed its own sanctions, the situation has become increasingly complex and contentious.
Araghchi's statement directly challenges the authority of European countries – particularly France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, collectively known as the E3 – to invoke the snapback provision. He argued that because the U.S. is no longer a participant in the JCPOA, having withdrawn from it, it lacks the standing to trigger the mechanism. Furthermore, he claims that the E3, by adhering to the U.S. position, have forfeited their right to act on this matter.
The October deadline, referenced by Araghchi, likely refers to the expiration of certain restrictions on Iran's missile program under the terms of the original nuclear agreement. These restrictions are set to be lifted in October, but some Western powers, including the U.S. and potentially some European nations, are reportedly seeking to extend them.
Iran vehemently opposes any extension of these restrictions and views any attempt to do so as a violation of the JCPOA. Araghchi’s statement underscores Iran's position that European powers lack the legal or moral authority to alter the agreed-upon terms of the deal.
The future of the JCPOA remains uncertain, with relations between Iran and the West strained. Araghchi’s comments suggest that Iran is prepared to strongly resist any attempts to reimpose or extend sanctions, further complicating efforts to revive the nuclear agreement and ease tensions in the region. The coming months could prove crucial in determining whether the JCPOA can be salvaged or if it will continue to unravel.
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