United Nations sanctions are set to be reimposed on Iran later Saturday under the “snapback” mechanism, a move Tehran says will be met with harsh retaliation. The step comes amid accusations Iran violated the 2015 nuclear deal, and echoes a deteriorating diplomatic standoff.
Efforts to delay reinstating all UN sanctions failed after a resolution by Russia and China to push back enforcement did not secure sufficient backing in the Security Council. As a result, the snapback is scheduled to take effect at 00:00 GMT on Sunday.
The snapback process was triggered 30 days ago by Britain, France and Germany (the “E3”), who accused Iran of breaching commitments under the 2015 deal, notably in areas like uranium enrichment and inspector access.
Iran denies seeking a nuclear weapon, and has called the move unlawful.
In response, Iran has recalled its ambassadors in Britain, France and Germany for consultations, escalating the diplomatic tit-for-tat. Meanwhile, President Masoud Pezeshkian downplayed alarm, saying, “It is not like the sky is falling.”
The sanctions to be reimposed include an arms embargo, bans on uranium enrichment and reprocessing, restrictions on ballistic missile-related activity, travel bans and asset freezes on designated persons and entities, and authorisation for seizure of prohibited material. Iran’s rial currency slid further, hitting a new record low as markets reacted to the looming return of sanctions.
Analysts warn the renewed sanctions may worsen Iran’s economic crisis, disrupt trade, limit access to banking and technology sectors, and hamper any remaining avenues for diplomatic engagement.
Overnight Russian strikes on the city of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, have killed one woman and injured a man, the country's State Emergency Servic...
Russian parliamentary elections have delivered a comfortable win to the ruling United Russia party, which is closely aligned to President Vladimir ...
The EU plans to mobilise up to €12 billion ($13.8 billion) in public and private investment to strengthen the Middle Corridor, a key trad...
Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met and U.S. commitments are implemented, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday.
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday. A mother and her two 3-year-old children were killed when a Russian drone strike hit a private home, the emergency service said.
Iran's military has threatened to launch sustained attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East if Washington resumes military action against Tehran.
Overnight Russian strikes on the city of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, have killed one woman and injured a man, the country's State Emergency Service has said.
Russian parliamentary elections have delivered a comfortable win to the ruling United Russia party, which is closely aligned to President Vladimir Putin. With more than 95 per cent of ballots counted, United Russia has taken 57.83 per cent of the vote, up from the 49.8 per cent it won in 2021.
A powerful typhoon was approaching Japan’s Pacific coast on Monday, bringing torrential rain, strong winds and a heightened risk of landslides across the Kanto region, including Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 21 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in sports.
Baku is preparing to host its 10th Formula 1 race, with the city’s streets once again set to transform into one of the most demanding circuits on the F1 calendar.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment