SAEDNEWS: Russia opposes EU “snapback” sanctions on Iran, citing unresolved JCPOA disputes and warning that reviving old UN resolutions would harm diplomacy.
On August 11, 2025, Russia’s permanent mission to the United Nations formally submitted an explanatory note to the Security Council, which was also registered as an official Council document, opposing the plan by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to activate the so-called “snapback” mechanism and reinstate previous UN Security Council sanctions against Iran.
According to Saed News citing ISNA, the note emphasized that under Security Council Resolution 2231 and the provisions of the JCPOA, the use of the “snapback” mechanism is only permitted if the requesting country, as a JCPOA participant, has completed all dispute resolution steps outlined in paragraphs 36 and 37 of the agreement. Russia stated that Germany, France, and the UK had neither followed these steps nor avoided contributing to a “fundamental breach” of the JCPOA and Resolution 2231, particularly following the U.S. withdrawal from the deal in May 2018.
The document cited multiple European actions, including full compliance with Washington’s “maximum pressure” policy, reimposition of unilateral sanctions against Iran, and failure to fulfill obligations related to the “Transition Day” on October 18, 2023. According to Moscow, these measures violate these countries’ international commitments and cast doubt on their good faith.
Russia noted that the “snapback” mechanism was designed as a reactive tool against “fundamental non-compliance,” but in the current context – involving extensive violations by the U.S. and three European countries – any action must first be addressed through agreed diplomatic channels under the JCPOA. The note described Iran’s compensatory measures, including reducing or suspending certain nuclear commitments, as legitimate responses grounded in the rights provided by the JCPOA itself.
Moscow warned that any attempt to reinstate old Security Council resolutions, whose objectives “were achieved years ago and whose issues have been closed by the IAEA,” would be ineffective, legally baseless, and detrimental to diplomatic processes.
In conclusion, Russia stressed that sanctions and pressure are not the solution and called on all parties to return to dialogue and engagement based on mutual respect, ensuring full and effective implementation of the JCPOA and Resolution 2231.
