Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has issued a strong warning to the international community, stating that any move to reimpose sanctions on Iran would only serve to complicate efforts towards resolving the ongoing standoff over the country’s nuclear program.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Gharibabadi emphasized that such a move would not only harm Iran’s interests but also undermine the trust and confidence of the international community in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The Deputy Foreign Minister’s warning comes in the wake of the United States’ recent attempt to invoke the “snapback” mechanism in the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which would reapply sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the agreement.
Iran has strongly opposed this move, arguing that the US, which withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, has no legal standing to trigger the snapback mechanism. The remaining parties to the deal, including the UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia, have also rejected the US’ attempt, stating that the country is no longer a participant in the agreement.
Gharibabadi reiterated Iran’s stance, stating that the US has no right to trigger the snapback mechanism and any attempt to do so would not only be illegal but also against the principles of multilateralism and the rule of law.
He further added that such actions would only lead to further tension and instability in the region, as well as hinder efforts towards finding a peaceful resolution to the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also highlighted that the US’ maximum pressure campaign against Iran has failed and only resulted in harming the Iranian people, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
He urged the international community to reject the US’ unilateral actions and instead focus on preserving the JCPOA, which has been endorsed by the UNSC and is crucial for regional and global peace and security.
Gharibabadi also emphasized that Iran remains committed to the JCPOA and its obligations under the agreement, but the country expects the remaining parties to fulfill their commitments as well. He stated that Iran has shown patience and has given enough time for the other parties to fulfill their obligations, but if their promises are not fulfilled, Iran will take necessary measures to protect its national interests.
The Deputy Foreign Minister’s warning highlights the growing tensions between Iran and the US, as well as the increasing frustration of the international community with the US’ unilateral actions. It also serves as a reminder that any move to reimpose sanctions on Iran would only worsen the situation and push the region towards further instability.
It is imperative that the international community listens to Iran’s concerns and works towards finding a diplomatic solution to the ongoing standoff. The JCPOA remains the best chance for achieving this goal, and all parties must uphold their commitments to the agreement.
Iran has shown its willingness to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution, and it is time for the international community to reciprocate by rejecting the US’ unilateral actions and working towards preserving the JCPOA. Any move to reimpose sanctions on Iran would only harm the chances of finding a lasting solution and undermine the trust and credibility of the UNSC.
