- A draft resolution put forward by Russia and China to delay the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran was rejected in the UN Security Council.
- This means that sanctions under the “snapback” mechanism (part of the 2015 nuclear deal, the JCPOA) will return.
- The United Kingdom, France, and Germany (the “E3”) had triggered a 30-day process to reinstate sanctions, alleging Iran has breached portions of the nuclear agreement.
What Sanctions Are Being Reimposed
The sanctions include several measures:
- Freezing of Iranian assets abroad.
- Bans or restrictions on arms sales and ballistic missile activity.
- Limits on uranium enrichment and nuclear materials and tighter oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Where Diplomacy Has Fallen Short
- Despite last-minute negotiations between Iran and European powers to avoid sanctions, agreement terms were not met.
- Iran insisted it has cooperated to an extent and claimed that sanctions are unjust, illegal, or politically motivated.
- Iran also warned it could suspend cooperation with the IAEA or abandon diplomatic talks if “hostile actions,” such as sanctions reimposing, move forward.
Implications & What to Watch
- The sanctions reimposition heightens tension between Iran and Western countries, at a time when the region is already under strain.
- Tehran’s economy could be hit hard, especially sectors reliant on global trade, finance, and technology.
- Diplomatic trust is weakening; many analysts believe that unless there is a major concession from one side, chances for renewed agreement are shrinking fast.
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