Iran Pledges Swift Response If E3 Triggers Sanctions Snapback

(MENAFN) Iran has pledged to issue “a proportionate and appropriate response” if France, Britain, and Germany—collectively known as the E3—reactivate sanctions through the nuclear deal's snapback mechanism, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated Monday.

Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Baghaei issued the warning after the E3 threatened to reimpose international sanctions in response to Tehran's nuclear activities.

He dismissed the threat as politically charged and devoid of any legal or ethical legitimacy. Baghaei emphasized that Iran continues to view itself as a party to the 2015 nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He asserted that Iran’s reduced adherence to the deal was triggered by “flagrant violations” committed by the United States and other signatories.

Baghaei accused the E3 of failing to meet their own commitments under the JCPOA. He further argued that invoking the snapback mechanism is irrelevant under current circumstances, particularly in light of recent joint Israeli-U.S. strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

He firmly rejected any possibility of renewed nuclear negotiations with the United States unless “the effectiveness of diplomacy and the negotiation process” can be guaranteed.

From April 12 to May 23, Tehran and Washington engaged in five rounds of indirect negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions.

Just two days before the sixth round was to take place in Muscat, Oman, on June 15, Israel launched extensive airstrikes across Iran, hitting nuclear and military facilities and killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran retaliated with a series of missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets.

On June 22, U.S. forces launched airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites—Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Iran responded by targeting the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Following nearly two weeks of escalating conflict, Iran and Israel agreed to a ceasefire on June 24.

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