UN Imposes Snapback Sanctions Against Iran
The U.N. Security Council on Sept. 28 reimposed all nuclear-related U.N. sanctions and restrictions against Iran that had been paused after the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal. The imposition of those so-called "snapback" sanctions came after France, Germany and the U.K., known as the E3, in August began the process to reimpose U.N. sanctions against Iran after accusing the country of failing to meet safeguards around its nuclear program (see 2508280033).
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"Given that Iran repeatedly breached these commitments, the E3 had no choice but to trigger the snapback procedure," the three nations said in a joint statement. They said they are "now focusing, as a matter of urgency, on the swift reintroduction of restrictions reapplied by these resolutions, in accordance with our obligations as UN member states. We urge all UN member states to implement these sanctions." The U.K. announced it has imposed sanctions on nine people and 62 entities related to Iran's nuclear program.
The EU's External Action Service, the bloc's diplomatic arm, also said the EU "will now proceed to implement the re-imposition of all previously lifted UN and EU nuclear-related sanctions without delay." The Council of the EU outlined which sanctions are back in place, including certain export restrictions for goods and technology, oil, energy-related equipment, metals and more. The EU also said it's freezing the assets of the Central Bank of Iran along with other major Iranian banks, and it's "reinstating measures to prevent access to EU airports of Iranian cargo flights."
The U.S. State Department said "diplomacy is still an option" for Iran, signaling that the U.S. remains open to restarting nuclear talks. "Absent such a deal, it is incumbent on partners to implement snapback sanctions immediately in order to pressure Iran’s leaders to do what is right for their nation, and best for the safety of the world," the agency said.