Iran warns West against reimposing UN sanctions, calls for commitment to JCPOA

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Western powers of acting in bad faith, warning that efforts to reimpose UN sanctions would undermine the foundation for meaningful dialogue.

Speaking with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24, Pezeshkian emphasised that triggering the snapback mechanism would render negotiations ineffective, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

He stressed that Western countries must demonstrate commitment to their obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), for any genuine understanding to emerge.

Pezeshkian criticised the West for failing to uphold its commitments under the JCPOA, which he said has contributed to the current tensions.

The Iranian president reiterated that the Islamic Republic has never sought nuclear weapons, a stance he said aligns with the country’s fundamental principles and political approach. He also attributed Western scepticism over Iran’s peaceful nuclear program to misunderstandings and partly to misleading propaganda from Israel.

Prime Minister Store responded by affirming Western commitment to resolving the issues, stating that efforts should focus on finding solutions to the concerns, which could prevent the triggering of the snapback mechanism.

The three European parties to the JCPOA — France, Germany, and the UK — have moved to activate the so-called snapback mechanism, citing concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. Their initiative followed the failure of a draft resolution to extend provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, effectively opening the door to the reimposition of multilateral sanctions on Iran.

The snapback mechanism allows participants to restore previous UN sanctions without a veto from other Security Council members. If implemented, it would reinstate wide-ranging restrictions, including arms embargoes, financial measures, and limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities.

Tehran has strongly condemned the European push, describing it as a breach of JCPOA commitments and an irresponsible act that undermines diplomacy. Iranian officials have warned that they will not remain passive, pledging serious and proportionate responses while underscoring Iran’s readiness to protect its national interests.

By Tamilla Hasanova