Europe has no right to invoke snapback mechanism under JCPOA: Azizi

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
24 Aug 2025 19:42

Ebrahim Azizi rejects European attempts to invoke the snapback mechanism under the JCPOA, accusing the E3 of breaching commitments.

Listen

Head of Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Ebrahim Azizim, in an undated photo (Iranian media)

The chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Ebrahim Azizi, has strongly rejected attempts by the E3 countries, the UK, France, and Germany, to invoke the snapback mechanism under the JCPOA.

Azizi said that Europe lacks both legal and political legitimacy to trigger the mechanism against Iran, arguing that its past violations of commitments render any such attempt void.

“By openly violating their commitments under the JCPOA and following in the footsteps of the United States, the European troika not only lacks legitimacy to use JCPOA mechanisms, but must also be held accountable for their breaches,” Azizi stressed.

Azizi highlighted that the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for implementing the country’s broader diplomatic strategies but emphasized that parliament has consistently warned against European non-compliance.

He said that instead of resorting to “threats and political provocations,” the E3 should fulfill their obligations under the nuclear deal. Failure to do so, he added, only further undermines their credibility in international negotiations.

Iran warns of retaliation against hostile moves

The Iranian official issued a firm warning that any hostile or irresponsible step against Iran under the pretext of the snapback mechanism would be regarded as an act of hostility against the Iranian people.

“The Iranian nation has never bowed down to bullying, nor will it in the future. Retaliatory and deterrent action against any hostile move is the inalienable right of the Iranian nation,” Azizi declared.

Snapback mechanism and Iran’s nuclear program dispute

The snapback mechanism, embedded in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, was designed to allow parties to the Iran nuclear program agreement to reimpose sanctions in case of violations. Tehran, however, maintains that European powers forfeited this right after failing to uphold their own commitments following the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018.

Azizi reiterated that Europe must bear responsibility for undermining the deal, insisting that any move to trigger the mechanism will only escalate tensions and draw an immediate and decisive response from the Islamic Republic.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's office published a statement on August 22 stating that bilateral talks with the E3 and the European Union would resume on the 26th of this month.