Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has criticized Britain, France, and Germany for their approach to the country’s nuclear program, warning that their alignment with Washington will diminish Europe’s global standing.
Araghchi accused the E3 of pursuing a “reckless course of action” that “lacks any legal standing” and is bound to fail. The E3 triggered a 30-day process to activate “snapback” sanctions over alleged significant violations of the 2015 agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear program.
Araghchi emphasized that Tehran remains open to dialogue, stating, “Iran is ready to forge a realistic and lasting bargain that entails ironclad oversight and curbs on enrichment in exchange for the termination of sanctions.”
However, he warned that ignoring this chance could plunge the region into deeper instability, especially amid escalating tensions with Israel.
“The powerful armed forces of Iran are ready and able to once again pummel Israel into running to ‘daddy’ to be bailed out,” Araghchi said, arguing that Israeli provocations risk dragging the US into costly conflicts.
The 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), gives Iran the right to enrich uranium at a low level for civilian purposes under a strict monitoring system.
The snapback mechanism in the JCPOA allows any party to the agreement to kick-start a process to revive six UN Security Council sanctions resolutions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US remains available for direct engagement with Iran, stating, “Snapback does not contradict our earnest readiness for diplomacy, it only enhances it.”
Araghchi accused the E3 of ignoring the fact that the US withdrew from the JCPOA and failed to uphold their obligations.
He noted that European leaders once pledged to protect trade with Iran after US President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions in 2018, but “none of it materialized.” Instead, Europe has acted as a bystander, cheering Washington’s aggressive approach.
The standoff has significant implications for the region, with Iran’s currency hitting new lows amid looming sanctions. The country’s officials have warned that the snapback sanctions could lead to further instability and conflict.
Araghchi’s statement underscores the complexities of the Iran nuclear issue and the challenges of finding a peaceful resolution.
The international community is growing increasingly uneasy about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Recent reports indicate that Iran has sharply increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a level close to weapons-grade.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has expressed serious concerns, noting that this amount is enough for multiple nuclear weapons if further enriched.
The activation of the snapback mechanism by the E3 (France, Germany, and the United Kingdom) could lead to severe consequences for Iran.
The reimposition of UN sanctions would freeze Iranian overseas assets, block arms deals, and restrict the country’s military and nuclear activities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denounced this move as “unjustified, illegal, and lacking any legal basis”.
Iran’s nuclear program has made significant strides in recent years. The country has installed advanced centrifuges at its Natanz and Fordow facilities, significantly increasing its enrichment output.
The IAEA has reported that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium has grown substantially, with some estimates suggesting it could produce enough weapons-grade uranium for several nuclear bombs within a short timeframe.
Despite the escalating tensions, diplomatic efforts continue. Iran has expressed willingness to engage in talks with the US and European nations to find a peaceful resolution.
Araghchi emphasized that Tehran is open to a “realistic and lasting bargain” that entails ironclad oversight and curbs on enrichment in exchange for the termination of sanctions.
The US has also indicated its readiness for direct engagement with Iran, stating that the snapback mechanism is meant to enhance diplomacy, not contradict it.
