Iran Issues Stern Warning on JCPOA: Cautions Against ‘Irreversible Escalation’ with Snapback Mechanism Misuse
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a warning regarding the potential activation of the snapback mechanism by signatories of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), stating that such a move could result in significant and irreversible consequences.
In a statement shared via his X account on Monday, Araghchi warned that any misuse of the snapback mechanism could effectively terminate Europe’s involvement in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and potentially heighten tensions to an irreversible state.
The snapback mechanism, as outlined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), permits the reinstitution of sanctions against Iran, which had been previously lifted under the agreement.
The Iranian foreign minister has stated that the three European nations that signed the 2015 nuclear agreement—Britain, France, and Germany—should reflect on how the situation has reached its current deadlock.
Following recent deliberations in Russia and China, he conveyed his readiness to visit Paris, Berlin, and London to initiate a fresh chapter in diplomatic relations.
The initiative has initiated preliminary dialogues at the level of deputy foreign ministers, marking a tentative yet hopeful beginning, according to Araghchi, who cautioned that the window of opportunity is closing.
He emphasized that the actions taken by the parties involved in the JCPOA during this critical juncture will have a much deeper impact on the future of Iran-Europe relations than is widely anticipated.
Iran’s chief negotiator conveyed the nation’s willingness to move forward, expressing hope that European counterparts would exhibit an equal level of commitment.
In a statement last month, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized France’s readiness, alongside Germany and Britain, to swiftly reinstate previously lifted sanctions should European security be jeopardized by Iran’s nuclear activities.
In remarks featured in the French weekly Le Point on Sunday, Araghchi cautioned European nations against pursuing a “strategy of confrontation” concerning Tehran’s peaceful nuclear energy initiatives, emphasizing that such actions might precipitate a nuclear proliferation crisis.
The remarks coincide with the fourth round of indirect discussions between Iran and the United States, which took place in Muscat, the capital of Oman, on Sunday.
In a briefing after the conclusion of discussions, the Iranian Foreign Minister announced that Iran and the United States have achieved a “better understanding” of each other’s perspectives, leading to a partial alignment in their respective positions.
The fourth round of negotiations was markedly more serious and candid compared to the preceding three sessions, Araghchi stated. He highlighted that the participants shifted their attention from general issues to more “detailed” topics.
