China Criticizes E3 for Nuclear Provisions Against Iran
On Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized France, Germany, and the UK—collectively referred to as the E3—for their push for “snapback” provisions related to Iran’s nuclear agreement, marking the beginning of a 30-day countdown for the reinstatement of UN sanctions on Iran.
“The situation regarding Iran’s nuclear program is at a crucial point. Initiating a snapback process in the Security Council isn’t constructive. It could hinder potential political and diplomatic resolutions,” stated Guo Zi-Kun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Guo emphasized that China believes any current actions by the Security Council should not foster new tensions but rather assist in reviving dialogue and negotiations, steering clear of escalation.
He maintained that China is committed to an unbiased stance, actively engaging in discussions, and aims to facilitate a return to diplomatic negotiations as promptly as possible.
The “snapback” provisions originated from the 2015 nuclear agreement, officially termed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). These provisions allow any signatory to initiate the reimposition of sanctions on Iran for breaches of the agreement.
The E3 had recently advocated for these snapback provisions following unsuccessful attempts over two months to persuade Iran to resume its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This move came after the IAEA criticized Iran for not fully complying with its nuclear obligations back in June. The situation escalated following US airstrikes on uranium enrichment sites in Israel and Iran, which led Iran to stop cooperating with the IAEA. Some Iranian officials claimed that the IAEA was collaborating with U.S. intelligence, which they believed facilitated the attacks.
By mid-August, Iran appeared somewhat more accommodating, allowing IAEA officials to return. However, these officials were not granted permission for substantial inspections at Iranian uranium enrichment sites. So far, the IAEA has only been allowed to visit Iranian nuclear power facilities in Bushehr.
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi expressed hope that his inspectors would eventually gain access to key sites, which had been targeted by U.S. airstrikes in June. Nonetheless, the E3 contended that Tehran has squandered its opportunity to cooperate. If Iran demonstrates a willingness to fulfill compliance, the 30-day countdown for snapback could be paused.
“It’s vital for inspectors to return. Yet, we must clarify many outstanding issues concerning the inspections we need to carry out in Iran,” Grossi noted in a recent interview.
Iran has not provided explanations regarding its substantial stockpile of weapon-grade uranium, which the U.S. had previously refined. Grossi mentioned that his agency has no reason to think that the uranium reserves have been relocated from their storage site.
During a close meeting of the UN Security Council on Friday, the E3 called for Iran to comply with three essential demands to potentially delay the snapback sanctions for up to six months. These conditions include granting full access to IAEA inspectors, disclosing the status of its uranium stockpile, and resuming negotiations with the U.S.
“Our requests are reasonable and realistic. Yet, Iran shows little sign of taking them seriously,” remarked Barbara Woodward, the British Ambassador to the UN.
A senior Iranian official countered that the E3 “must show integrity towards Tehran,” indicating that the decision to restart discussions with the U.S. rests with Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council.
China and Russia have become significantly involved in the negotiations, having proposed a UNSC resolution to extend the JCPOA. Initially, their proposal would have barred the E3 from instigating snapback sanctions, but this language was removed following pushback from other permanent Security Council members.
