Sources to Al Mayadeen: Cairo agreement at risk amid sanctions push

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
18 Sep 2025 19:44

Sources state that activating the snapback mechanism will nullify the Cairo Agreement and shut the door on cooperation between the IAEA and Tehran, and bar inspections.

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Iranian Foreign Minister and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency sign a new agreement to resume nuclear cooperation between the two sides, September 9, 2025 (X, @iraninarabic_ir)

Diplomatic sources told Al Mayadeen that European countries are showing no independence in their positions toward Iran, instead following the lead of the United States in ongoing negotiations.

Although the Cairo Agreement fulfills an important part of European demands, the sources revealed that the E3 has begun raising new conditions in recent communications.

The sources stressed that while the Cairo Agreement remains a significant framework, the introduction of fresh European conditions threatens to derail progress.

The shift highlights increasing transatlantic coordination, with the US driving Europe’s approach toward Tehran.

Snapback sanctions threatened as US leads European Troika

According to the sources, the diplomatic window with Iran remains open, but indicators point to the potential activation of the snapback sanctions mechanism. They argued this is largely because Washington is steering the European Troika in the talks.

The sources warned Al-Mayadeen that Washington is expected to call on Tehran to resume negotiations after activating the snapback mechanism, aiming to impose its conditions from what it perceives as a position of strength. They described this approach as a serious miscalculation of Iran’s stance and the way Tehran would respond.

Impact on IAEA inspections and cooperation with Tehran

Activating the snapback sanctions mechanism, the sources said, would nullify the Cairo Agreement and end cooperation between the IAEA and Tehran.

This would prevent international inspectors from accessing sensitive facilities, escalating the standoff even further.

The diplomatic sources concluded that extending the deadline for activating the snapback mechanism will test whether the European Troika can act independently of the United States. It would also determine whether diplomacy can be given sufficient space to avert a major crisis.