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Russia, China rally behind Iran against E3 misuse of UN resolution

Iran Press TV

Thursday, 28 August 2025 7:51 PM

Iran has strongly condemned a move by France, Germany, and the UK to trigger the reimposition of UN sanctions under the 2015 nuclear accord, calling it "legally baseless" and warning of a halt to its cooperation with the UN nuclear agency.

The three European signatories to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), known collectively as the E3, formally submitted a notification to the UN Security Council to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran under Resolution 2231, which endorsed the nuclear agreement. The move sets off a 30-day countdown that could restore all sanctions lifted as part of the 2015 deal.

In a sharply worded statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry rejected the European move as "baseless, invalid, and legally ineffective," warning that Tehran will suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if the snapback mechanism is enforced.

"This action is a legally defective and politically motivated effort to revive cancelled resolutions," the ministry said. "It is in clear contradiction to Resolution 2231 and lacks any legal standing."

Iran argued that the Dispute Resolution Mechanism (DRM), outlined in the JCPOA to resolve compliance issues, is a multi-stage, consultative process and that the E3 had not fulfilled the required procedural steps before triggering snapback.

"The DRM was designed to promote diplomacy and prevent abuse by parties who themselves are in violation of the agreement," the ministry said.

"As confirmed by several Council members, including China and Russia, the E3 have not completed the legal process required."

Tehran hit out at the E3 for siding with the United States, which unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump and reimposed wide-ranging sanctions.

Iran maintains that it remained in full compliance for over a year after the US exit, before taking calibrated steps in response.

"These countries cannot claim to act in good faith while they have long failed to meet their JCPOA obligations," the ministry said.

"The E3 aligned themselves with the US maximum pressure campaign and imposed new illegal sanctions targeting Iran's civilian sectors, including aviation and maritime industries."

The statement added that the E3's move comes amid continued attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure by a former JCPOA participant, apparently referring to the US.

"Rather than condemning sabotage against Iranian facilities, these countries are rewarding the violator and punishing the victim," the ministry said.

Iran also pointed to the failure of the E3 to meet commitments due on the JCPOA's "Transition Day" of October 18, 2023, including lifting remaining sanctions.

"Their ongoing noncompliance disqualifies them from invoking any rights under the deal," the statement said.

Warning of broader consequences, the ministry said the E3's actions could erode confidence in the UN Security Council and damage its credibility.

"Triggering the snapback mechanism without legal basis not only undermines confidence in Council decisions but also puts international peace and security at risk," it said.

Tehran urged all "responsible members of the international community" to reject an "illegal, unfounded, and politically motivated effort" that could reignite a nuclear crisis.

Russia and China have moved to counter the E3 initiative, circulating a draft resolution at the Security Council proposing a six-month "technical extension" of Resolution 2231.

The draft calls for suspending substantive discussions on the JCPOA until April 2026 and urges all parties to return to negotiations.

Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said the Security Council must choose between diplomacy and confrontation.

"One path leads to diplomacy, peace, and normal human relations. The other path is coercion — the path chosen by France, the UK, and Germany," he said.

Iran's UN mission described the current moment as decisive for the future of diplomacy.

"The E3's response to the Russian-Chinese draft will demonstrate whether they are serious about dialogue or intent on escalating tensions," the mission said.