Foreign Ministry making efforts to prevent activation of snapback mechanism
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Aug 26, 2025
Tehran, IRNA -- The Foreign Ministry is pursuing extensive diplomatic efforts to block the activation of the so-called snapback mechanism by the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal, its spokesperson said on Monday.
Responding to a question by IRNA's correspondent on public concerns over recent remarks by senior officials, Esmaeil Baghaei said that "reducing the importance of what is called the mechanism for reimposing UN sanctions is by no means correct. We are fully aware of its negative consequences."
He underlined that the European parties "have neither the legal nor moral authority" to resort to such a measure, adding that Iran rejects the move and remains alert to its potential fallout.
Baghaei noted that ongoing talks in Geneva, recent phone calls by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi with his counterparts and the EU foreign policy chief, as well as consultations with Russia and other Security Council members, all aim to prevent the mechanism from being triggered.
New framework with IAEA
Baqaei said Iran's relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remain in place, stressing that the country continues to be a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and committed to the Safeguards Agreement.
He noted that senior-level meetings were recently held in Vienna following earlier talks in Tehran, during which both sides discussed drafting a new framework for cooperation.
Baghaei condemned the "unprecedented illegal attack" on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, holding the US responsible and criticizing the IAEA for its shortcomings in this regard.
He said Tehran is now preparing a new plan to redefine its cooperation with the IAEA.
Response to Australia
On the expulsion of Iran's ambassador from Australia, Baghaei said any inappropriate diplomatic action will be met with a reciprocal response.
He rejected the accusations as baseless, stressing that concepts such as anti-Semitism "have no place in our culture, history, or religion."
He added that the decision appears tied to Australia's internal politics and recent mass protests against Israel's actions in Gaza.
Iran's view on Lebanon
Addressing developments in Lebanon, Baghaei said Tehran believes decisions should be taken through "Lebanese-Lebanese consultations."
He emphasized that regional states must strengthen their defense capabilities against Israeli aggression, which he described as a lesson increasingly recognized across the region.
Israel seeks to silence truth in Gaza and West Bank
Baghaei said regional developments remain alarming, with the continuation of "genocide in Palestine" causing deep pain to every free human being.
He noted that in just 24 hours, more than 100 civilians were killed in Gaza, and several journalists from international agencies were deliberately targeted by Israeli forces.
Condemning the killings, he said the occupying regime cannot tolerate truth and public awareness of its crimes.
He urged international bodies, especially the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ), to treat such acts as clear war crimes.
South Africa's independence
Commenting on US pressure on South Africa regarding its ties with Iran, Baghaei said Tehran and Pretoria share historic relations rooted in opposition to apartheid.
He condemned the US ambassador's intervention, stressing that South Africa is a sovereign state capable of determining its own response.
Iran's proposals at OIC summit
Baghaei said Iran played an active role in the emergency the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting on Gaza, where many of its proposals were incorporated into the final communiqué.
These included condemnation of Israel's "Greater Israel" ambitions, calls for halting arms exports to Tel Aviv, cutting diplomatic ties, documenting crimes at international courts, and protecting Islamic holy sites.
US disregard for international law
The spokesperson said Washington's stance during the Gaza war proves it places no value on international law or human rights. He criticized the UN Security Council's inaction due to US support for Israel, adding that the selective use of human rights has never been so blatant.
He argued that such positions could serve as evidence of US complicity in Israeli war crimes.
Iran to reciprocate Ukraine's move
On Ukraine's suspension of a visa waiver agreement, Baghaei said the step was unjustified and rooted in false reports about Iran.
He confirmed that Tehran will respond reciprocally and is reviewing details.
Media spin over Chinese embassy images
Addressing photos of long queues at China's embassy in Tehran, Baghaei called them "media mischief."
He noted they were taken weeks ago during a temporary backlog in visa processing that has since been resolved.
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