Iran’s Foreign Minister Rejects European Activation of Snapback Mechanism
Following the launch of the process to activate the snapback mechanism by European countries, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sent a letter to Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, strongly criticizing the move and calling it “invalid.”
Araghchi stressed that, from Tehran’s perspective, UN Security Council Resolution 2231 must expire as scheduled on October 18, 2025. His remarks come as the legal process for reimposing UN sanctions, initiated by Europe, is designed to become enforceable within one month.
He also expressed Iran’s “conditional readiness” to resume diplomatic negotiations, saying that such talks require “seriousness and goodwill” from the other parties and a halt to “destructive measures.”
The snapback mechanism, part of the 2015 nuclear deal, allows remaining participants to restore all UN Security Council sanctions on Iran if it is deemed to be in violation of its commitments.
Observers note that Tehran, while signaling openness to negotiations, is simultaneously warning of possible withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Analysts say this dual approach aims to gain political concessions and avert the escalation of international pressure. Western governments regard this as a bargaining tactic Iran has used in the past.
