UN Sanctions on Iran Reinstated as “Snapback” Mechanism Takes Effect

Kokcha News Agency– The UN Security Council’s “snapback” mechanism under Resolution 2231 came into effect at midnight, reinstating sanctions on Iran after the UK, France, and Germany (E3) triggered the process on August 28.

The sanctions, which were lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), are now binding on all UN member states, marking a significant escalation in international pressure on Tehran.

The E3 accused Iran of violating “nearly all” of its commitments under the JCPOA, particularly by stockpiling highly enriched uranium without civilian justification.

Despite this, they emphasized that “diplomacy is not over” and called on Iran to return to negotiations. However, Iran has rejected the E3’s legal authority to trigger the snapback, arguing that the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 invalidated their status as participants in the agreement.

The reinstated sanctions include an arms embargo, restrictions on uranium enrichment and ballistic missile development, asset freezes, and travel bans on individuals and entities linked to Iran’s nuclear program.

Additionally, UN member states are now authorized to inspect and seize Iranian shipments under maritime trade controls.

The move has already sent shockwaves through Iran’s economy, with the rial hitting record lows and fears of deepening economic turmoil.

The Iranian parliament held an emergency session to address the impact on citizens’ livelihoods, but no specific measures were disclosed.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions as “illegal, baseless, and provocative,” while Iranian officials warned that the country could withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in response.

However, President Masoud Pezeshkian and other government officials have expressed reluctance to take such a drastic step.