Tehran (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Iran on Sunday denounced the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear programme as “unjustifiable,” following a process initiated by major European powers after talks collapsed.
The restrictive measures, which prohibit dealings related to the Islamic Republic’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, came into effect overnight after Western powers activated the ‘snapback’ mechanism under the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Why does Iran call the reinstated sanctions unjustifiable?
“The reactivation of annulled resolutions is legally baseless and unjustifiable… all countries must refrain from recognising this illegal situation,”
The Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will firmly defend its national rights and interests, and any action aimed at undermining the rights and interests of its people will face a firm and appropriate response,”
It also said.
Why did European powers trigger the snapback mechanism now?
UK, France and Germany triggered the return of the United Nations reinstated an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran that aimed to stop it from developing a nuclear bomb.
The sanctions represent a “snapback” of measures that were put on hold in 2015 when Iran agreed to significant limits on its nuclear programme as part of a deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama.
The UK, French, and German foreign ministers stated in a joint statement that they will keep seeking a “new diplomatic solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.” They also called on Iran “to refrain from any escalatory action”.
How is Russia challenging the re-imposition of UN sanctions?
Russia has challenged the re-imposition of U.N. sanctions on Iran. “It is unlawful, and it cannot be implemented,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov briefed journalists at the U.N. earlier Saturday, that he had written to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, warning that recognising a return of U.N. sanctions on Iran would be “a major mistake.”
The measures “finally exposed the West’s policy of sabotaging the pursuit of constructive solutions in the UN Security Council, as well as its desire to extract unilateral concessions from Tehran through blackmail and pressure,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated
When did European nations first impose sanctions on Iran regarding its nuclear program?
European nations first imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program between 2006 and 2010. These UN sanctions included an arms embargo and restrictions on Iran’s acquisition of ballistic missile technology, as well as targeting Iran’s oil and financial services sectors. These sanctions were lifted around 2015 following the landmark nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
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