Iran warns Europe of "unlimited consequences" if the "snapback mechanism" is activated and describes its role as destructive
The Iranian government has warned European countries that "all scenarios are on the table" and that conditions will change "completely" if they proceed to activate what is known as the "snapback mechanism" to reinstate international sanctions.
The warning was issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Baghaei, in an interview with a German media outlet reported by the official Iranian agency "ISNA".
Baghaei confirmed that Tehran is "ready for dialogue with the Europeans to reach the best solution," but he added: "However, the threat of the sword is not effective," considering that the threat to activate the mechanism is not a constructive step.
The spokesperson criticized resorting to the "snapback mechanism" and described it as "illegal, illogical, and harmful," pointing out that "after ten years of the issuance of Resolution 2231, the peaceful Iranian nuclear program should no longer be on the agenda of the Security Council."
Baghaei listed the reasons for Tehran's reduction of some of its nuclear commitments, explaining that "Iran has always adhered to the nuclear agreement," and that "the unilateral withdrawal of the United States and the failure of the Europeans to meet their commitments were the reasons for Tehran's reduction of its commitments." He emphasized that these steps "were taken in accordance with the text and spirit of the agreement to achieve a balance between rights and obligations."
He stressed that building trust "requires mutual steps," saying: "Iran's trust has been severely damaged, and it has the right to demand that the other parties prove their seriousness."
In a strong response, the spokesperson warned against any attempt to pressure his country, saying: "Any Western perception of the possibility of weakening Iran or subjecting it to further pressures is merely an "illusion" and a "miscalculation,"" emphasizing that Tehran "will not concede its legal rights under any circumstances."
Baghaei then sharply criticized the European role in the nuclear file, describing it as "a shift from vital to destructive," accusing the Europeans of playing a "destructive role" in the negotiations. He also commented on the recent statements of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, describing them as "regrettable and humiliating" and said they "contributed to distorting Germany's image among the Iranian public opinion."
It is noteworthy that both Britain, France, and Germany—the three European countries that signed the agreement—had previously threatened to activate the "snapback mechanism," which was part of the 2015 agreement, allowing the reinstatement of UN Security Council sanctions on Tehran if it fails to comply with the terms of the agreement.
