Tehran: Iran has slammed Europe’s threats at reimposing UN sanctions on Tehran if the tries to pursue its nuclear programme following the recent negotiations in Istanbul, with the Iranian Foreign Ministry stating that Brussels and London lack the legitimacy to go through with such an action.
According to Iran International, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei while addressing the media said “We have clearly said, and we stress, that the European parties do not have the legitimacy or the authority to invoke the so-called snapback mechanism.”
During the first round of negotiations in Türkiye, leaders from the UK, Germany, and France – collectively called the E3 – met at the Iranian Consulate in Istanbul and discussed the nuclear program in its first round of negotiations with foreign parties, following Iran’s 12-day war Israel and the bombing of its key nuclear facilities by the US.
Iran conveyed its opposition directly to its European counterparts to any snapback effort, according to Baghaei.
“Such a right does not exist for them, and we fundamentally reject the move,” he added.
Under the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the snapback clause allows for the reimposition of UN sanctions if a participant claims significant non-compliance.
Baghaei also dismissed European narratives of the recent negotiations. “The European side has presented its own version of events, but this account does not align with the facts and differs from the viewpoint of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said.
France has further threatened Iran, and said it will call for a sweeping global embargo on Iran, unless it doesn’t reach a deal by the end of August covering not jut its nuclear program, but also its missile program and regional activities.
Baghaei stated that Iran’s nuclear negotiations with European powers remain narrowly confined to sanctions relief and atomic issues, rejecting the statements on any other matters or broader deals being put to table.
“These talks have a clear and limited focus: the lifting of sanctions and matters related to the nuclear program,” Baghaei said.
“Any attempt by some Western states to introduce unrelated issues only reflects their confusion and lack of coherence.”
The Foreign Ministry official said that Iran’s defence issues are non-negotiable and can’t put to table. “Especially under current conditions, Iran is more determined than ever to maintain and enhance its deterrent capability.”
Tehran has further ruled out any talks with Washington currently, stating that there are no negotiations are planned for the recent future as well, with Foreign Ministry adding that the Islamic Republic will take whatever action it deems appropriate, as demanded by its national demands. UNI
