Germany, France and the United Kingdom have jointly triggered a sanctions mechanism against Iran, their respective foreign ministers announced Thursday. The move follows a notification delivered on August 12th to the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN Security Council, outlining the intention to invoke the so-called “snapback” provision outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, related to the Iran nuclear deal.
According to a joint statement, this action initiates a 30-day period after which previously lifted UN Security Council resolutions could be reinstated. The ministers emphasized that the sanctions are not new, but rather had been suspended under the terms of the nuclear agreement. They assert that Iran has chosen not to adhere to its commitments under that agreement.
The foreign ministers contend that since 2019, Iran has exceeded the limits stipulated in the agreement regarding enriched uranium, heavy water and centrifuges. They also allege that Iran has impeded access for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor its nuclear program. This, they state, has significant implications for Iran’s potential to advance towards the development of nuclear weapons and that the nuclear program continues to pose a clear threat to international peace and security.
