France Maintains Diplomatic Efforts with Iran Despite Sanctions, Tehran Rejects Deadline and Vows to Respond
France reiterated on Saturday its commitment to keeping diplomatic channels open with Iran, despite the lack of response from Tehran to recent initiatives. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated ahead of an EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Copenhagen that Paris had offered Iran a delay in sanctions in exchange for demonstrating goodwill and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, Iran did not provide a positive response to the offer.
Sanctions to Be Reimposed on Iran After 30 Days
Barrot clarified that the “snapback mechanism” would reintroduce international sanctions, followed by European sanctions, including measures targeting banks, nuclear technology, and weapons. He noted that the sanctions would take effect in 30 days, while keeping the door open for further diplomatic engagement.
Earlier, British Ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, confirmed that the European countries had offered Iran an extension of the snapback mechanism, contingent upon Tehran meeting specific conditions, including compliance with its obligations to the IAEA. Additionally, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, described the 30-day deadline as a final opportunity for diplomacy.
Iran’s Response to the European Decision
In contrast, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized the European decision, calling it a dangerous escalation that could have severe consequences for international peace and security. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Araqchi emphasized that Iran would not remain passive in response to the decision, signaling that Tehran would take appropriate measures in response to what it deems an unlawful move by European countries.
Araqchi further argued that the step was part of broader pressure on Iran in favor of the United States and Israel. He stressed that the decision lacked legal foundation and undermined the chances of resuming dialogue with the IAEA. He also ridiculed the European trio’s efforts to present the escalation as diplomatic, stating that invoking the snapback mechanism without adhering to legal procedures would undermine the credibility of the UN Security Council.
The European Mechanism and Pressure on Tehran
It is worth noting that the “snapback mechanism” is part of the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which allows for the reimposition of international sanctions on Iran in the event of non-compliance with the agreement. The option to trigger this mechanism is expected to expire in October.
Calls for International Intervention
In his concluding remarks, Araqchi called on the international community and the UN Security Council to intervene and halt the escalation, asserting that it was time for the Security Council and major world powers to say “enough” to the current pressure on Iran.
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