UN 'Snapback' Sanctions on Iran's Nuclear Program Reimposed
United Nations sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program have been reimposed after a 'snapback' mechanism was triggered by the UK, France, and Germany. The move, designed to be veto-proof, comes after they declared Iran non-compliant with the 2015 nuclear deal. The sanctions freeze Iranian assets, halt arms deals, and penalize ballistic missile development. The action follows Iran enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels and restricting international inspections, heightening tensions amid the wider conflict in the Middle East.
Unpacked:
The 'snapback' mechanism, part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), allows any participating country to quickly reimpose UN sanctions if Iran violates the agreement. It was created as an emergency safeguard to ensure Iran’s compliance and prevent lengthy diplomatic disputes over violations.
The renewed sanctions freeze Iranian financial assets, prohibit arms sales to and from Iran, and penalize its ballistic missile activities. However, their practical impact is limited because many countries, notably Russia and China, may not enforce them strictly, and Iran has faced similar measures for years.
Iran has threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if snapback sanctions are triggered. This would end legal requirements for inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency, reducing international oversight and increasing nuclear tensions.
Triggering snapback sanctions effectively ends the JCPOA, even if its implementation had already stalled. The move is largely symbolic but marks the formal collapse of the agreement and further complicates diplomatic efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear program.