Nournews: The European Troika (the UK, France, and Germany), continuing their hostile and unconstructive measures against Iran, declared in a letter to the UN Security Council on December 6 that they are prepared to activate the mechanism known as the “snapback” to reimpose all international sanctions on Iran, if necessary.
This letter was a response to the communications sent by Iran and China following an initial note by the UK, Germany, and France to the Security Council on November 27. The European Troika emphasized in their letter that Iran must limit its nuclear program to create the necessary political conditions for meaningful progress and a negotiated solution.
The European Troika, overlooking the progress made in interactions between Iran and the West regarding the nuclear issue, has turned to “coercive diplomacy,” which is by no means a viable path for resolving mutual disputes.
U.S. noncompliance and European inaction in fulfilling JCPOA commitments
The unilateral withdrawal of the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 and the reinstatement of sanctions against Iran were clear violations of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. This action undermined the foundation of the agreement, which was achieved through extensive diplomatic efforts.
On the other hand, European countries failed to uphold their commitments under the JCPOA, particularly in facilitating economic cooperation with Iran and countering the effects of U.S. sanctions. Mechanisms like INSTEX remained mere promises and had no practical impact on improving Iran’s economic situation.
The illegitimacy of Snapback Mechanism activation
Activating the snapback mechanism by European countries, despite their own failure to adhere to commitments, lacks any legal or moral foundation. The JCPOA is a multilateral agreement that all parties must honor. Expecting unilateral compliance from Iran has no legal or logical basis. Although repeated breaches of JCPOA commitments by the U.S. and Europe’s inaction have compelled Iran to reduce its nuclear commitments within the framework of Article 36 of the JCPOA.
Iran’s position
The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized that its nuclear program is peaceful and fully monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). There is no evidence of deviation toward nuclear weapons. As a member of the IAEA, Iran remains committed to its safeguards obligations and continues its cooperation with the Agency in this regard. Threatening to use the snapback mechanism or applying additional pressure not only fails to resolve the issue but also diminishes the possibility of reaching a diplomatic agreement.
As Majid Takht Ravanchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, has stated, if the pressures and threats to activate the snapback mechanism persist, Iran will be compelled to consider various options, including withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The need for a constructive approach by Europe
Iran has demonstrated its readiness to continue negotiations within the framework of mutual respect and the return of all parties to their JCPOA commitments. Despite unconstructive actions by the European Troika, such as issuing resolutions against Iran in the IAEA Board of Governors’ sessions, Iran has not closed the door to dialogue. Representatives from Iran and the three European countries held discussions in Geneva about three weeks ago.
The European Troika must focus on addressing past shortcomings and rebuilding mutual trust rather than resorting to threats and pressure. The path of coercion and threats will only escalate tensions. The real solution lies in the commitment of all parties to their obligations and creating a conducive environment for returning to dialogue.
NOURNEWS