Iran faces renewed challenges as the United Nations (UN) has reimposed sanctions related to its nuclear program. These sanctions include arms embargoes, restrictions on missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons, asset freezes, and travel bans. Iran’s economy is already struggling, and these new measures are expected to exacerbate the situation.
The move was initiated by key European countries, while Tehran has warned of a strong response. The sanctions were reinstated under the ‘snapback’ mechanism, included in the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) between Iran and world powers.
The snapback provision in the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA) allows for the re-imposition of all previous UN sanctions within 30 days without requiring Security Council approval if any party proves Iran is not complying with the agreement. These measures include freezing Iranian assets, restricting arms sales, imposing limits on ballistic missile programs, travel restrictions, and blocking the transfer of nuclear technology, leading to the reimposition of sanctions on Iran.
Britain, France, and Germany have accused Iran of violating the 2015 nuclear agreement, which aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Despite the accusations, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the UN General Assembly in New York, stating that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. He reiterated that Iran has never sought, nor will it seek, to create a nuclear bomb. The reimposition of sanctions followed his statement.
The collapse of this decade-old nuclear agreement could increase tensions in the Middle East, especially given that the United States and Israel bombed Iranian nuclear sites three months prior.
Foreign ministers from Britain, France, and Germany issued a statement urging Iran and all countries to fully comply with these proposals and to continue diplomatic channels and dialogue. They said that reimposing UN sanctions is not the end of diplomacy.
Russia opposed the move. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the move is illegal and cannot be implemented, and he warned UN Secretary-General António Guterres that recognizing the return of sanctions would be a grave mistake.
While Iran has warned of a strong response to the sanctions, President Masoud Pezeshian stated that the country has no intention of withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran has also recalled its ambassadors to Germany, France, and Britain for consultations, stating that the European countries have taken irresponsible steps that will further increase regional instability.