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Triggering 'snapback' will affect Iran's interaction with IAEA: Gharibabadi

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 28, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, has emphasized that if the E3 —the UK, France, and Germany—triggers the "snapback mechanism," it will impact Tehran's relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Gharibabadi made the remarks late on Wednesday after returning from discussions with representatives from the three European countries in Geneva.

He pointed out that during the most recent round of negotiations, Iran clarified that the E3 does not have a legal basis to trigger the snapback mechanism.

The senior diplomat further warned the European troika about the potential consequences of ignoring the goodwill and constructive approach demonstrated by the Islamic Republic, which has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the issue.

According to Gharibabadi, the Iranian diplomatic mission made it clear to the European representatives that if they proceeded to reinstate the sanctions, "then naturally Iran will show the necessary reaction."

"Iran will send a letter or official notification to the Security Council. We have informed them that if the E3 triggers the snapback, our current path for cooperation and interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency will be completely affected and halted. In such circumstances, continuing this interactive process would be meaningless," he said.

He added, "Moreover, we emphasized that if this scenario unfolds, Europe will essentially exclude itself from the diplomatic track and dialogue with Iran. From that point onward, negotiations will be conducted solely within the framework of the Security Council and its members, and we will no longer engage in any dialogue with Europe on this matter."

Gharibabadi said, "The reality is that the Europeans have not implemented the JCPOA for years. Yet, with complete impudence, they claim that they are still adhering to it. We have told them that if they are truly implementing the JCPOA, they should provide a report demonstrating how they have done so."

He emphasized that Europe has not only failed to implement the JCPOA but has also imposed new sanctions over the years. The most recent sanctions targeted Iran's shipping and aviation industries just a few months ago, he added.

In response to a question about the status of the IAEA's inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities, the senior diplomat said, "The agency's inspections have not yet begun in Iran. We operate according to laws passed by Parliament, which are very transparent and explicit. Currently, the presence of several IAEA inspectors in Iran is for monitoring the loading and fuel replacement at the Bushehr power plant. This is carried out in legal coordination and with the relevant permits."

Gharibabadi highlighted, "Discussions are currently ongoing between Iran and the IAEA to formulate a new cooperation arrangement, but no text has been finalized yet. Only ideas have been exchanged between the two sides. Naturally, if the Europeans choose to act based on their political preferences, these ongoing discussions between us and the agency will be affected."

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