Vienna, Austria – Iran is sharply criticizing European powers as they move toward reimposing sanctions over its nuclear program, a move likely to escalate tensions ahead of a forthcoming United Nations vote. The escalating dispute centers on Iran’s compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal.
Britain, France, and Germany – collectively known as the E3 – initiated a 30-day process in late August to reinstate sanctions unless Tehran meets their demands. The E3 are invoking a dispute mechanism within the 2015 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) that allows for the application of sanctions under a “snapback mechanism.”
Iranian officials accuse the E3 of politically motivated misuse of the mechanism. “What Europeans are doing is politically biased and politically motivated… They are wrong on different levels by trying to misuse the mechanism embedded in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA),” stated Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh.
The Europeans had offered to delay the snapback for up to six months if Iran restored access for UN nuclear inspectors and engaged in talks with the United States. However,French President Emmanuel Macron indicated on Thursday that sanctions reinstatement is probable,citing a lack of serious engagement from iran in negotiations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi countered that Tehran has presented a “reasonable and actionable plan” and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the NPT. Khatibzadeh warned that “all options are on the table if diplomacy fails,” adding that European actions are increasing unpredictability and potential risks.
The JCPOA, originally signed by Iran, the US, China, Russia, and the EU, saw Iran agree to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement began to unravel in 2018 when then-US President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal and reimposed unilateral sanctions.
Tensions further heightened earlier this summer with a 12-day conflict involving Israel,during which Israeli and US forces reportedly struck several Iranian nuclear facilities. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sparked controversy in Tehran by stating, “This is dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us.”
Iranian officials have also voiced criticism of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for alleging iranian noncompliance with its nuclear obligations prior to the attacks. Iran maintains it is not seeking nuclear weapons,while Israel is widely believed to possess an undeclared nuclear arsenal.
