Tehran: Iran on Sunday condemned as “unjustifiable” the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear program, after the collapse of talks with Western powers and Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear sites. The measures, which bar dealings linked to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, took effect overnight after Western powers triggered the so-called “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 nuclear accord.
According to France24.com, the Iranian foreign ministry issued a statement declaring, “The reactivation of annulled resolutions is legally baseless and unjustifiable … all countries must refrain from recognizing this illegal situation.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Iran to “accept direct talks, held in good faith,” and called on UN member states to “immediately” implement sanctions to “pressure Iran’s leaders to do what is right for their nation, and best for the safety of the world.”
The foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany released a joint statement asserting their commitment to seeking “a new diplomatic solution to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon.” They also urged Tehran “to refrain from any escalatory action.” Despite allowing UN inspectors to return to its nuclear sites, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the United States for offering only a short reprieve in exchange for Iran handing over its stockpile of enriched uranium, a proposal he deemed unacceptable.
Attempts by Iran allies Russia and China to delay the sanctions until April were unsuccessful, as they failed to secure enough votes in the Security Council, leading to the measures taking effect early Sunday morning in Tehran. Germany, alongside Britain and France, triggered the return of sanctions due to Iran’s non-compliance with its obligations, with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stating, “Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon,” while emphasizing the openness to negotiations for a new agreement.
Russia, however, has stated it will not enforce the sanctions, viewing them as invalid. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the West’s approach, accusing it of sabotaging constructive solutions in the UN Security Council and exerting pressure on Tehran through blackmail and unilateral concessions. Iran maintains that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.
The economic implications of the sanctions are significant, as they represent a “snapback” of measures that were frozen in 2015 when Iran agreed to major restrictions on its nuclear program under a deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama. The United States had already imposed extensive sanctions, including efforts to block countries from purchasing Iranian oil, after President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal.
Iran’s previous rounds of talks with the United States, brokered by Oman, collapsed in June following attacks on its nuclear facilities by Israel and the United States. In response to the reinstated sanctions, Iran recalled its envoys from Britain, France, and Germany for consultations. The impact on Iran’s economy is palpable, with citizens expressing concern over the deteriorating economic situation. An Iranian engineer named Dariush noted the rising exchange rate and increasing prices, lamenting the lower standard of living compared to previous years. The dollar’s exchange rate reached a record high on the black market, according to currency tracking websites.