Europe on the Brink: Iran’s FM Warns ‘Snapback’ Sanctions Will Sever Nuclear Diplomacy

According to Saed News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a warning on July 12, 2025, telling European capitals that activating the UN’s snapback mechanism—even amid indirect U.S. talks—would signal the end of their involvement in Iran’s nuclear file. Speaking to foreign diplomats in Tehran, Araghchi insisted that resorting to snapback “will make resolving Iran’s nuclear case far more complex,” and urged Europe to preserve its remaining diplomatic role.

How Snapback Works and What It Restores

The “snapback” procedure would automatically reinstate six UN Security Council resolutions from 2006–2010, reimposing:

• A complete arms embargo on Iran

• Restrictions on weapon and dual‑use goods exports

• Asset freezes on designated individuals and entities

• Travel bans for sanctioned persons

Tehran argues these measures would add little to the severe U.S. “maximum pressure” regime under which Iran already endures crippling economic sanctions.

IAEA Cooperation Continues—Under New Oversight

Araghchi emphasized that Iran has not halted cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), though future interactions will be coordinated through the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). As a signatory to the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran pledges to treat each IAEA request case by case, balancing transparency with national security.

This stance follows parliamentary legislation passed in late June 2025, which suspends routine IAEA engagement until Tehran receives ironclad guarantees protecting its sovereignty, nuclear sites, and scientific staff—and reaffirming its NPT‑enshrined enrichment rights.

Diplomacy or Deadlock?

Reiterating Iran’s preference for a negotiated settlement, Araghchi stated, “There is no option but a return to diplomacy and a negotiated solution.” He warned, however, that Europe must demonstrate genuine commitment to trust‑building talks rather than using negotiations as a tactical distraction.

Araghchi underscored that any future discussions will strictly focus on the nuclear dossier and must respect Iran’s right to enrich uranium—a “major scientific achievement” Tehran refuses to relinquish.

A Context of Escalating Tensions

This warning arrives in the wake of two recent escalatory incidents:

1. June 13 Attack: An Israeli strike inside Iran killed military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

2. June 22 U.S. Strike: American forces bombed Iranian nuclear sites, in Tehran’s view a clear breach of international law.

These developments forced Tehran to postpone the planned sixth round of Iran–U.S. nuclear talks in Oman indefinitely.