The action of the European Troika (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) to activate the snapback mechanism for the automatic return of sanctions will inflict irreparable damage on Europe’s international standing and credibility. This mechanism was designed as a penalty for non-implementation of key commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement, signed by Iran, the three European countries, the United States, China, and Russia.
As was emphasized in the joint letter of Iran, China, and Russia, the European Troika’s move to activate the snapback mechanism lacks any legal or juridical basis and is politically destructive. Countries that fail to honor their commitments have no right to benefit from an agreement they themselves have undermined. No action can negate the chain of events that led Iran to adopt legal remedial measures under the nuclear deal.
It was the United States—not Iran—that in 2018 violated Resolution 2231 by unilaterally halting its participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This destructive move was compounded by the European Troika’s failure to uphold their commitments under the JCPOA and their alignment with America’s unlawful sanctions. Now these three countries, under the pretext of rejecting negotiations by Iran, are seeking the reinstatement of UN sanctions—countries that, by supporting the United States’ unlawful military strikes in June 2025 against the peaceful nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, facilities protected under international law, have further highlighted their role in enabling Washington’s excesses. These strikes took place on the eve of the sixth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S.
By embarking on this course, the European Troika has subjected Europe’s credibility and international standing to numerous negative consequences. In this game, the three European countries will not only fail to prevail but will also be excluded from future diplomatic processes. If this narrow window of opportunity to change course is missed, severe and widespread repercussions will ensue for West Asia and the international system—consequences that will undermine the integrity and credibility of international agreements and shake the very foundations of collective security.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently, with utmost restraint, demonstrated its steadfast commitment to resolving issues related to its peaceful nuclear activities through diplomacy and negotiation, and to achieving a fair and new agreement. Such an agreement must, while respecting national sovereignty and the rights of the Iranian people under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, address all mutual concerns, including the unjust sanctions that have targeted the livelihood and well-being of the Iranian nation.
