On Thursday, Britain, France and Germany launched a 30-day process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran's disputed nuclear program, reviving the so-called snapback mechanism.
Tehran reacted swiftly. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denounced the move as unjustified, illegal and lacking any legal basis, accusing the E3 of undermining diplomacy. He stressed Iran's firm stance in defending its legal rights under international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that if the snapback proceeds, Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency will end. He said it 'makes no sense for Iran to continue working with them.'
The E3 hopes Iran will engage by the end of September to allay concerns and defer concrete action. Across the Atlantic, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the move, saying Washington remains ready for direct engagement in furtherance of a peaceful, enduring resolution to the Iran nuclear issue.
With just 30 days on the clock, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric urged all parties to seize this window of opportunity to avoid further escalation and find a path toward peace. A closed-door meeting of the UN Security Council is set for Friday to discuss the snapback request, marking a critical moment in global diplomacy.
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Iran vows response as Europeans move to reimpose UN sanctions
cgtn.com
