United Nations (UN) sanctions on Iran that were suspended nearly a decade ago as part of a landmark nuclear deal are back in force as of Sunday.
Britain, France, and Germany – the three European powers that were signatories to the 2015 accord to limit and monitor Iran’s controversial nuclear programme – triggered the so-called “snapback” sanctions mechanism in late August.
They accused Iran of committing serious breaches, including uranium enrichment far beyond levels needed for civilian nuclear purposes.
The resumption of inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was also a key demand.
Western powers fear Iran is seeking to build a nuclear bomb, a claim Iran rejects.
Despite last-minute diplomatic efforts, no breakthrough was reached with Iranian leaders.
As a result, the sanctions regime in place from 2006-10 automatically resumed at midnight GMT.
The measures include a comprehensive arms embargo, a ban on uranium enrichment and a global freeze on the assets of Iranian individuals and entities linked to nuclear or ballistic missile programmes.
While the sanctions are expected to further strain Iran’s already weakened economy, battered by extensive U.S. unilateral measures, the full impact of the UN “snapback” remains uncertain.
Germany, the United Kingdom, and France warned Iran against escalating tensions following the reimposition of the sanctions.
“We urge Iran to refrain from any escalatory action and to return to compliance with its legally binding safeguards obligations,” the three countries’ foreign ministers said in a joint statement.
“The reimposition of UN sanctions is not the end of diplomacy.”
The three European powers also emphasized a focus on the swift enforcement of the reinstated restrictions.
“We urge all UN member states to implement these sanctions,” the statement added.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that President Donald Trump had emphasized that diplomacy remains an option.
