Iran slams E3 snapback bid, backs Russia-China nuclear plan
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Iran’s envoy to the UN says Western powers are distorting the truth, accusing them of blackmail and undermining diplomatic efforts through unlawful pressure tactics.
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Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani speaks during a Security Council meeting at the United Nations Headquarters, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (AP)
Iran has ruled out any negotiations conducted under “threats or coercion,” while expressing support for a joint proposal by Russia and China, calling it a “practical step” toward resolving ongoing nuclear tensions.
Speaking to reporters in New York on Friday, Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeed Iravani firmly rejected efforts by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to trigger the dispute resolution mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal, calling the move unlawful and procedurally flawed.
On Thursday, the three European nations invoked the snapback clause of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a step that could reinstate pre-2015 sanctions on Iran over alleged “significant non-compliance.”
Iravani condemned the action, stating it was carried out “with the sole intention of blackmailing Iran and exerting political pressure.” He added, “The E3 has no legal or moral standing to use the so-called snapback. Their notification is null and void.”
In a similar vein, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the measure as "illegal and unjustified," warning that Tehran would respond "appropriately to protect and guarantee its national rights and interests."
Accusations against E3 and US
The Iranian envoy also accused the E3 of violating the JCPOA themselves, citing support from several Security Council members, including Russia and China, who argue that the Europeans did not follow proper procedures.
“The E3 and the US violated the JCPOA first. They cannot now claim to act in good faith,” Iravani said, referring to the US withdrawal from the deal under President Donald Trump in 2018, followed by the failure of European signatories to fulfill their obligations, particularly regarding sanctions relief.
Iravani emphasized that Iran had consistently informed the UN Security Council, the Secretary-General, and the EU coordinator of these breaches. “Iran’s remedial steps have been gradual, proportionate, and fully legal,” he said, adding that the E3’s actions “distort reality, reward the violator, and punish the victims.”
Commitment to diplomacy
Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to dialogue, Iravani insisted the breakdown in negotiations stemmed from the US and E3, not Iran. He also accused these countries of backing attacks on Iran’s safeguarded nuclear sites, describing the US bombings in June, during the Israeli-imposed war on Iran, as a grave breach of the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
“Iran has, nevertheless, chosen to keep the path of dialogue open and continues to engage with the E3 and the IAEA,” Iravani said.
The ambassador warned that attempts to reinstate sanctions under the snapback mechanism would provoke a “decisive and proportionate response.” He reiterated, “Iran is committed to diplomacy, but it will not negotiate under threats or coercion.”
He urged the Security Council not to be “misused by those who have violated” its resolutions and the JCPOA, calling on responsible members to “defend the rule of law and reject this unlawful, unfounded, and politically motivated attempt” to revive terminated sanctions.
Risks of E3 action
Iravani cautioned that “the reckless decision by the E3 undermines Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA and constitutes an unnecessary and provocative escalation.”
He warned that the European approach, if left unchecked, could “gravely damage the credibility and integrity of the Security Council and place international peace and security at serious risk.
”Iravani concluded by expressing Tehran’s support for a joint Russia-China proposal to extend UN Resolution 2231 temporarily. He described the plan as a “practical step” that could create space for renewed diplomacy and pave the way for a new agreement.
Iran rejects E3 snapback attempt, cites JCPOA dispute mechanism
The Iranian Foreign Ministry on Thursday strongly condemned the notification submitted by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (E3) to the UN Security Council seeking to reimpose sanctions under Resolution 2231. Tehran described the move as “illegal, baseless, and politically motivated.”
In a statement, Iran said the European trio has no authority to resort to the snapback process, noting that the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM) outlined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a binding, multi-stage consultation framework meant to prevent unilateral abuse. According to Tehran, the E3 bypassed this process, rendering their notification “null and void.”
Iran further accused the three states of serious non-compliance with their JCPOA obligations following the US withdrawal in 2018, arguing that they cannot claim to act in good faith while imposing their own sanctions and failing to deliver economic relief promised under the accord.
The ministry warned that the E3’s action undermines Iran’s ongoing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and risks “damaging the credibility of the Security Council” while endangering international peace and security. Tehran vowed to respond with “appropriate measures” to what it called a provocative and unlawful escalation.
