Iran Can Still Resume Diplomacy Despite Snapback Threat

According to Rokna, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs recently, in a press briefing, referred to the action taken by three European countries—Britain, France, and Germany—to activate the snapback mechanism against Iran, asserting that this measure does not signify the end of diplomacy. She stated that Tehran still has the opportunity to resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and return to negotiations with the United States.

Kallas emphasized, “The ball is in Iran’s court.”

Claim of Snapback Mechanism Activation

The snapback mechanism, defined in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, allows signatories to re-impose international sanctions in case of alleged non-compliance by one party. However, according to the JCPOA text, this mechanism is only valid if all other parties also fulfill their commitments. Iran maintains that the three European countries lack the legitimacy to use this tool due to their failure to implement their obligations.

Iran’s Response to European Actions

Iranian officials have stated that they will respond to Europe’s move to reinstate sanctions. Meanwhile, Europe, despite claiming to support diplomacy, has backed U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. For instance, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the objectives of these actions as “Europe’s dirty work.”

Formal Letter from Iran to the European Union

Seyed Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, sent an official letter to the EU High Representative, extensively detailing issues related to the JCPOA. He criticized Europe’s incomplete narrative and highlighted the countries’ neglect of their obligations under the nuclear agreement.

Araqchi Criticizes Europe’s Behavior

In another section of his letter, Araqchi strongly criticized Europe for supporting U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and supplying weapons to Israel, stating that these actions have undermined Europe’s credibility. He also rejected Kallas’s claim that Iran’s nuclear program has ended, calling it contrary to the JCPOA framework.

Iran’s Position on Resolution 2231

In conclusion, Araqchi emphasized that any potential European efforts to revive previously annulled UN Security Council resolutions are invalid. Iran also expressed its readiness to resume diplomatic negotiations, provided the other parties demonstrate seriousness and good faith.

The letter has also been sent to the UN Secretary-General and members of the Security Council.