Iran warns Europe: Snapback sanctions will void IAEA agreement
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Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi has warned European states at UNGA that imposing snapback sanctions would invalidate Tehran’s new cooperation deal with the IAEA.
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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi attends the 17th annual BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 7, 2025. (AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned European countries that if they move forward with the return of sanctions under the snapback mechanism, they will effectively invalidate Tehran’s recent agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Speaking upon his arrival in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday, Araghchi underlined the consequences of such a move.
"In a press conference after the agreement with the IAEA, I emphasized that if the snapback is ultimately implemented, the agreement with the IAEA will also be invalidated," Araghchi said. "If the destructive action of the three European countries in the Security Council is ultimately implemented, Iran will react and we will again reach new conditions with the IAEA."
Araghchi added that the cooperation agreement with the IAEA was reached after the Israeli-US aggression on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June and that any new sanctions would change the terms of engagement.
He confirmed that he would meet IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in New York to review the latest developments regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the Cairo agreement, which set a new modality for inspections mediated by Egypt.
'Cooperation or confrontation'?
The foreign minister stressed that the coming days would be decisive.
"I will meet with the major European powers' foreign ministers, and this is a moment when the opposing sides must decide whether they choose the path of cooperation or confrontation," Araghchi said.
Talks are scheduled with Britain, France, and Germany, the so-called E3, in the presence of EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.
Bilateral diplomacy on sidelines of UNGA
In addition to multilateral discussions, Araghchi also held talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger on the sidelines of the UNGA. The two sides discussed bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.
Iran’s top diplomat is expected to continue a series of bilateral meetings during the General Assembly, presenting Tehran’s positions on key international issues while engaging with media outlets.
