The United States is not entitled to re-impose sanctions on Iran through the so-called “snapback” mechanism linked to an international nuclear deal, said the head of the European Union.
Since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), it cannot be considered part of it, the official added on Sunday.
“Given that the US unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 and has not subsequently participated in any JCPOA structures or activities, the US cannot be considered a JCPOA participant,” said a spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, according to dpa news agency.
“We therefore consider that the US is not able to use mechanisms reserved for JCPOA participants. [such as the so-called snapback]. “
The nuclear deal is intended to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while losing an internationally controlled civilian nuclear program.
In the course of the agreement adopted by the United Nations, the dismantling of sanctions against Iran was also regulated.
An arms embargo that is part of the deal is due to expire in October.
The US wants an extension of the embargo, but failed to push through it earlier in the UN Security Council.
Now President Donald Trump wants to force a resumption of all international sanctions on Iran against the will of other UNSC members through the “snapback”.
“We’re going to do a snapback,” Trump told reporters at a news conference in New Jersey on Saturday. “You’ll be watching the new week.”
The snapback was assigned to the participants in the nuclear deal in case of a breach of the terms by Iran.
Iran defeats Trump’s plan
Trump’s plan to implement the “snapback” mechanism is illegal and unacceptable, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday.
“The Americans got out of the nuclear deal in May 2018 and they know very well that the implementation of the snapback is something illegal and therefore absolutely unacceptable,” quotes news agency IRNA Zarif as saying.
Tehran claims that Trump’s strategic goal is not only to torpedo the 2015 nuclear deal, but also to maintain unilateralism and thus change the world order.
“All countries should show solidarity in defending the reputation of the UN,” Diako Hosseini, a political adviser in Tehran’s presidential office, tweeted on Sunday.
In Tehran, it is also suspected that Trump is trying to cover up his domestic political problems with a new crisis in foreign policy in hopes of increasing his chances of being re-elected in November.
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