The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects and strongly condemns the unlawful declaration of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (E3) to the UN Security Council regarding Resolution 2231 (2015). This illegitimate action, which contravenes the dispute resolution mechanism (DRM) stipulated in the JCPOA, constitutes an unlawful and improper attempt to reinstate rescinded resolutions and is clearly in violation of Resolution 2231 (2015).
Tehran – Iran View24
According to the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran:
As has been emphasised in multiple previous communications with the UN Security Council, the three European countries have **no legal or moral authority** to resort to the so-called “snapback” mechanism. Therefore, their declaration is invalid, void, and lacks any legal effect. The dispute resolution mechanism outlined in the JCPOA is an essential and inseparable part of this framework, deliberately designed as a multi-step and consultative process to prevent any party—especially countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, which have themselves failed to fulfill their commitments—from abusing it.
As confirmed by some Council members, particularly China and Russia, the three European countries have not complied with the requirements of the dispute resolution mechanism as outlined in the JCPOA and Resolution 2231. Accordingly, their declaration constitutes a legally flawed attempt to misuse Resolution 2231 for a biased political agenda against Iran. Furthermore, given that these three countries have long seriously violated their commitments and acted in concert with the illegal exit and coercive measures of the United States, they cannot claim the position of “good-faith parties.” They also cannot justify their unlawful actions by citing Iran’s countermeasures, which have been gradual, proportionate, and fully in line with Iran’s legal rights under the JCPOA.
Regardless of all legal and political discussions related to the historical context, the abuse of this mechanism while Iran’s nuclear facilities have been severely damaged by the illegal actions of a former JCPOA participant is a clear sign of bad faith.
The action of the three countries, which deliberately ignores broader context and distorts the chain of events, rewards the violator and punishes the victim. It was the United States, not Iran, that unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA and reinstated sanctions in 2018. It was the European Union / the three European countries, not Iran, that failed to fulfill their commitments to mitigate the economic consequences of the U.S. exit. It was the European Union / the three European countries, not Iran, that not only failed to implement their commitments on the transition day (October 18, 2023) but also imposed new unlawful sanctions on Iran’s civilian airlines and shipping companies.
This decision by the three European countries will severely undermine the ongoing interactions and cooperation between Iran and the IAEA. This provocative and unnecessary escalation will be met with appropriate responses. The path chosen by the three European countries, if left unchecked, will have serious consequences for the credibility and structure of the Security Council. Resorting to the so-called snapback mechanism without following the proper procedures and providing valid legal grounds not only undermines trust in the Council’s decisions but also endangers international peace and security.
The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that such a decision must be unequivocally rejected by all responsible members of the international community.
Over the past years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has demonstrated utmost restraint and consistent commitment to diplomatic engagement to preserve the JCPOA and seek a negotiated solution. Iran remains ready to engage constructively with other Security Council members who are sincerely committed to preserving diplomacy and preventing a manufactured crisis that serves no one’s interest. The first essential step in this path is the **firm rejection of the unlawful, unjustified, and politically motivated attempt by the three European countries to reinstate rescinded resolutions** against a country that has consistently shown restraint and commitment to dialogue.
The official statement of the Islamic Republic of Iran in response to this action by the three European countries will soon be issued and registered as a Security Council document.
