Iran Faces ‘Snapback’ of UN Sanctions – What It Means and Why It Matters | Explained

France, Britain and Germany — the ‘E3’ powers — have threatened to trigger the “snapback mechanism” that would automatically reinstate all United Nations sanctions on Iran. These sanctions were lifted under the landmark 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), but the E3 has said that Tehran has willfully violated its commitments.

The group has given Iran until the end of August to comply with three key demands:

1. Resume nuclear talks with the US.
2. Allow UN nuclear inspectors back into its nuclear facilities.
3. Account for its large stockpile of enriched uranium.

Iran, which is believed to have been enriching uranium up to 60% — nearing weapons-grade levels — has rebuffed the proposal, news agency Reuters reported.

What Is the Snapback Mechanism?

In 2015, Iran and world powers signed the JCPOA as part of which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for relief from UN sanctions. Built into that deal is the “snapback” mechanism — a fast-track way to reimpose all pre-deal UN sanctions in case Tehran violates the terms.

According to the Associated Press, the snapback can be triggered when a JCPOA member notifies the UN Security Council that Iran is not fulfilling its commitments. Once that’s done, a 30-day countdown begins. If the Council doesn’t pass a resolution to extend sanctions relief within those 30 days — which is unlikely, given that the US, UK, or France could veto it — all sanctions automatically return. No further vote is needed.

Why the Threat Now?

The E3 says Iran has “willfully and publicly departed” from the nuclear agreement. 

The International Atomic Energy Agency had in May said that Iran stockpiled over 400 kgs of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, which is believed to be dangerously close to weapons-grade, and a total enriched uranium stockpile of over 9,200 kgs far exceeding the deal’s limit of 300 kg at 3.67% purity.

The group offered to delay triggering snapback if Iran met the three stated conditions.

Why October 18 Is Crucial

Two key deadlines are pushing the E3 to act:

October 18 is when the snapback clause is due to expire. After that, reimposing sanctions would require a fresh Security Council vote — opening the door for vetoes from countries, including Russia or China.

In September, South Korea is slated to assume the presidency of the UN Security Council. In October, Russia will takes over, and though it can’t veto snapback, it could use procedural tactics to delay the process.

Iran’s Response

Iran, for its part, has insisted that the country’s nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and that it has the right to disregard the deal after the US unilaterally withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions.

Tehran has also questioned the legal validity of a snapback move, reportedly saying the E3 failed to uphold their own commitments after Washington’s exit. 

The country has also threatened to quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty if snapback is triggered.

Could Diplomacy Still Work?

Some experts say there’s a narrow window for diplomacy. If a deal is reached within the 30-day duration post-trigger, it could possibly stall the reimposition of sanctions.

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