EU reimposes sanctions on Iran after UN ‘snapback’

The decision comes after the UN reimposed its own sanctions under the “snapback” measure detailed in the JCPOA, which was triggered by the UK, France and Germany (known as the E3 nations) last month.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed the move was related to Tehran’s “significant non-performance” of its obligations under the JCPOA.

“The world will not acquiesce to threats and half measures, and Tehran will be held to account,” he said.

Iran and the E3 were unable to bridge gaps in negotiations during the 30-day window leading up to Saturday’s triggered sanctions. The Europeans allege that Tehran stalled for time and was not willing to make the needed guarantees and concessions.

Washington could not launch the snapback process itself because it withdrew from the agreement in 2018 during President Trump’s first term.

Prior to the Security Council vote on Friday, the Iranian foreign minister threatened to end the regime’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency watchdog if sanctions were reimposed.

The reimplemented sanctions include an arms embargo on Iran; a requirement to suspend uranium enrichment and heavy-water and reprocessing-related activities; a ballistic-missile development ban; a travel ban; and a global assets freeze for certain Iranians and entities.

Under the sanctions, weapons and prohibited cargo that Iran transfers abroad can be seized.

“This was the right decision by the Security Council, as the Islamic Republic of Iran cannot be relieved or absolved of accountability for the continued non-performance of its nuclear commitments,” the Israeli mission to the United Nations told JNS following the vote on Friday.

“The threat posed by the Islamic Republic extends far beyond Israel’s borders,” it said. “The result of this failed draft resolution is a testament to that.”