Iran is set to engage in discussions with Russia and China on Tuesday, aiming to circumvent UN snapback sanctions ahead of a pivotal deadline concerning the nuclear deal. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei mentioned during an international briefing that the country is in ongoing consultations with both nations to mitigate consequences and reinforce their relationship.
China and Russia, as signatories of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (JCPOA), appear to be significant players in the context of Iran’s nuclear aspirations, which have persisted despite the US withdrawing from the agreement during Trump’s presidency in 2018.
Iran has promised to retaliate if the UN Security Council implements snapback sanctions, particularly on the anniversary of the initial nuclear deal. This news follows recently announced intentions by France, Germany, and the UK to apply such sanctions if a new agreement isn’t reached by the end of August.
The specifics of what the new nuclear deal should encompass remain unclear. Notably, Iran has yet to resume nuclear talks with the US following a substantial strike on its key atomic facilities last month. The snapback mechanism, under the JCPOA, permits all 15 members of the UN Security Council, including Russia and China, to impose strict sanctions if Iran is found to be in breach of the agreement.
Since the US’s earlier withdrawal, there have been threats to utilize snapback sanctions, though Washington—having exited the deal—cannot independently initiate their re-implementation. Such decisions rely on the UN and other JCPOA signatories.
As the deadline approaches in August, Iranian officials are urged to accept comprehensive nuclear deals, or else brace for new UN sanctions. Despite ongoing pressure from US officials, the opportunity for new agreements appears to be waning, contrasting with the urgency of the situation.
Security experts have cautioned that it typically takes around six weeks for UN sanctions to be enacted due to procedural delays. Moreover, there are concerns that renewed sanctions could escalate security risks connected to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, potentially leading Iran to reconsider its commitments to other significant nuclear accords.
