In a firm address to reporters at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran’s freshly minted cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could fall apart if the E3—France, Britain and Germany—successfully triggers the “snapback” mechanism to reinstate UN nuclear sanctions.
The “snapback” clause in the 2015 nuclear deal allows UN sanctions to return if Iran is judged to be in breach. Last month, the E3 moved to invoke it through the UN Security Council after growing concerns over Iran’s compliance. If sanctions snap back within 30 days, Araghchi cautioned, the IAEA accord “will lose its validity” and Iran would enact countermeasures.
“We will once again see the unfolding of a new situation with the Agency,” he said, underscoring that future cooperation hinges on whether global powers choose “cooperation or confrontation.” Araghchi emphasized that Iran responds to diplomacy rooted in respect and dignity, not pressure and threats.
Reflecting on the crisis’ origins, he noted that the 2015 deal has been strained since the U.S. withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions. Iran has already stepped back from full compliance, and now faces a potential suspension of IAEA cooperation if the Security Council fails to extend sanctions relief.
For young global citizens tracking international diplomacy, the unfolding drama at the UNGA highlights how multilateral agreements can hinge on single diplomatic moves—and how quickly progress can be reversed. As Araghchi gears up to meet his European counterparts this week, the world watches to see if dialogue can prevail over confrontation.
Reference(s):
Iranian FM: Agreement with IAEA invalid if UN sanctions reinstated
cgtn.com
