Countries criticized UK, France, Germany for ‘legally and procedurally flawed’ attempt to trigger ‘snapback mechanism’

Iran, Russia, and China have sent a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council, declaring that the nuclear deal with Tehran (JCPOA) has been terminated. The letter states that the Council’s consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue has effectively ended.

The three countries criticized the UK, France, and Germany (the E3) for what they described as a “legally and procedurally flawed” attempt to trigger the snapback mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

“The attempt by the E3 to trigger the so-called ‘snapback’ is by default legally and procedurally flawed,” the letter said. “Having themselves ceased to perform their commitments under both the JCPOA and Resolution 2231, [the E3] lack the standing to invoke its provisions.”

The letter reaffirmed that all provisions of Resolution 2231 are terminated after October 18, 2025, in accordance with operative paragraph 8. It emphasized that the full conclusion of the resolution “marks the end of the Security Council’s consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue” and contributes to “strengthening the authority of the Council and the credibility of multilateral diplomacy.”

Iran, Russia, and China called on all parties to remain committed to finding a political settlement through diplomatic engagement and dialogue, based on mutual respect, and to refrain from unilateral sanctions, threats of force, or any action that could escalate tensions.

An Iranian Foreign Ministry statement said the resolution “has officially expired in line with the predetermined timeline,” noting that the 10-year period defined by Resolution 2231, adopted July 20, 2015, ends on October 18, 2025. The statement added that all provisions, restrictions, and mechanisms related to Iran’s nuclear program are terminated as of this date.

The E3 had announced on August 28 the activation of the snapback mechanism, accusing Iran of violating its commitments. This followed the US’ unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA.

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