Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning on Monday, cautioning European nations against activating the “snapback” mechanism, commonly referred to as the “trigger mechanism,” as part of the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Araghchi emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that any such move would not only jeopardize European participation in the deal but also escalate tensions in the region to a dangerous level.
In a post shared on his official social media account, Araghchi highlighted the potential “irreversible” consequences of invoking the mechanism, a provision outlined in United Nations Security Council resolution 2231.
This provision permits the parties involved in the JCPOA to “snap back” sanctions if they believe Iran is in violation of the agreement. Araghchi pointed out that this option expires in October 2025, and Tehran has made it clear that the activation of this mechanism could push Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), further escalating the situation.
Araghchi’s warning follows increasing concerns about the future of the nuclear deal amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the three European powers—France, Germany, and Britain—who have been struggling to maintain a unified stance in the face of pressure from the United States. Tehran has consistently asserted that there is no legal foundation for triggering the snapback mechanism against it, calling such an action a serious violation of international agreements, according to The Arab weekly.
The Foreign Minister’s comments came after he conducted diplomatic consultations with Russia and China, aiming to bridge the widening gap in Iranian-European relations. Araghchi expressed his willingness to engage in direct dialogue with European capitals—Paris, Berlin, and London—in hopes of initiating a new phase of cooperation. However, he warned that the window for such dialogue is closing rapidly, and the future of the JCPOA hinges on Europe’s political will.
“We are ready for a new phase, based on mutual respect, but the European response in the coming weeks will be critical,” Araghchi said. “Time is running out, and the escalation of this crisis could lead to dire consequences for all parties involved.”
Araghchi’s remarks were made in the context of ongoing indirect talks between Iran and the United States, which concluded their fourth round in Muscat, Oman. These talks, described as difficult but constructive, provided both sides with an opportunity to better understand each other’s positions and explore viable solutions to the ongoing nuclear dispute. However, there was little optimism that significant progress would be made without a shift in European policy.
The “trigger mechanism” is seen by some as the last resort for re-imposing sanctions on Iran if Tehran is found to be in breach of its commitments under the JCPOA. However, Iran has repeatedly warned that activating the snapback mechanism without clear evidence of non-compliance would be viewed as an aggressive act, potentially unraveling the already fragile agreement.
Araghchi’s strong warning underscores the growing frustration within Tehran over the lack of progress on key issues, including the lifting of sanctions and the preservation of Iranian nuclear rights. Iran has long maintained that it is fully compliant with the terms of the JCPOA, despite accusations from some Western powers of violations.
The fate of the agreement is now at a crossroads. The next few months will likely determine whether the JCPOA can be salvaged or if it will fall victim to a broader geopolitical conflict. The European Union’s handling of the situation in the coming weeks could shape the future of not only Iranian-European relations but also the broader stability of the Middle East.
