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Iran warns of proportionate response if Europe triggers snapback of sanctions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jul 14, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has once again warned the European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal against using the so-called snapback mechanism that would re-impose U.N. sanctions on Iran if activated.

Addressing a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, Baqaei described the European threat as "a political act and in opposition to the Islamic Republic, which will naturally be met with a proportionate and appropriate response."

He said that using the mechanism, stipulated in the Iran deal officially named the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (J.C.P.O.A.), is devoid of any relevance given last month's Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities.

Resorting to a mechanism, which was included in the U.N. Security Council's Resolution 2231 endorsing the J.C.P.O.A. for specific reasons, lacks any legal, political, or moral basis, the spokesperson said, adding that the European parties are constantly trying to use it as a tool in violation of their fundamental obligations.

He continued by saying that Iran had remained committed to the J.C.P.O.A. but it was forced to gradually reduce its commitments, a right that was foreseen in the text of the deal, in response to the gross violations by the United States and European parties.

Baqaei emphasized that the Islamic Republic has shown its firmness, despite multi-layered sanctions imposed by the United States under different false pretexts in recent years. "The Iranian nation has resisted these pressures by relying on its internal strength and has not retreated from its rights and interests," he said.

Negotiations need effective diplomacy

In response to a question about whether Iran has specific preconditions for resuming negotiations with the United States, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said any talks should not be held in "deception."

Tehran was serious in diplomacy and entered negotiations with good faith, but as everyone witnessed, the Israeli regime launched its military aggression against Iran in coordination with the United States before the sixth round, he underscored.

"We will not enter into such a process until we are sure of the effectiveness of diplomacy and the negotiation process," Baqaei stressed, adding that diplomacy should not be stigmatized but should be used as "a tool and an opportunity."

He emphasized that no one has the right to deprive Iran of this tool to explain its point of view, defend its interests, and realize its rights, similar to armed forces who are authoritatively engaged in the task of defending the country.

Hailing positive stance of Russia and China

Baqaei touched on the approach of China and Russia, saying the two friendly nations have always been ready to help resolve the Iranian nuclear issue.

Russia and China, the two permanent members of the U.N. Security Council with which we have a strategic partnership, have always been in close contact with us within the framework of the J.C.P.O.A. and have constantly held consultations, he said.

The spokesman denied any specific proposal or a package from Moscow and Beijing but said that they remain in contact such as during the BRICS Summit or as Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has travelled to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Ministerial Meeting, which will be a good opportunity to continue consultations.

Israeli crimes have no limits

Referring to the Israeli genocide in Gaza, Baqaei said that the wave of crimes of the regime is not limited to one point or region.

"The main reason for the continuation of the Zionist regime's crimes and aggression against regional countries and the genocide in Gaza is the impunity it enjoys," he underlined.

According to the spokesperson, all governments and international organizations are obliged to take action against "an unprecedented genocide taking place in Gaza for the past two years."

He accused Israel and its Western backers of paralyzing the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, the United Nations Security Council and human rights mechanisms to hold the Zionist regime to account.

"The United States in particular, as the largest supporter of the Zionist regime, must be held accountable for these crimes," he said, adding that "The responsibility lies with regional countries, especially the Islamic countries, in this regard."

Selective approach of international institutions and I.A.E.A.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that the instrumental and selective use of international institutions by some countries, to exert pressure on others, has become a normal practice, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) is no exception.

Referring to anti-Iran resolutions over the past years, he said that such process is ignored under normal circumstances, when the issues require consideration by the I.A.E.A. Board of Governors. "But the agency has remained silent and maintained a completely selective approach on Iran's peaceful nuclear program, which was targeted by military aggression," he added.

Baqaei also said Germany's hosting of U.S. nuclear weapons and aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads is clearly contrary to and in violation of the European country's commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

"We know that a significant part of the U.S. nuclear and weapons of mass destruction are located in Germany, which is a clear sign of the country's violation of its international obligations," he underscored.

He also slammed Germany's recent stance in supporting the Israeli aggression against Iran, saying it is an open support for an action that violates international law.

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