Lavrov Warns Snapback Mechanism a “Dangerous Trap” for Iran

Reacting to Western countries’ activation of the mechanism, Lavrov described it as a trap deliberately designed for Iran. According to Rokna, citing China’s Xinhua news agency, Lavrov told reporters that the mechanism was included in Resolution 2231 — the same resolution that endorsed the 2015 nuclear agreement — as the result of direct negotiations between the Iranian and U.S. foreign ministers at that time.

Lavrov further explained that the mechanism is not a routine matter, but rather a provision that allows any party to put the lifting of sanctions to a vote, while a single Security Council member with veto power can unilaterally block it, thereby paving the way for the return of sanctions.

He added that Iran had accepted such an arrangement because Tehran never anticipated the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. Lavrov said: “After the U.S. withdrawal, instead of demanding that Washington return to its obligations, Europe began shirking its own commitments under the deal. Europeans are now cherry-picking from Resolution 2231, and what they seek is precisely this strange snapback mechanism. The snapback was designed as a trap for Iran, and it is further proof that Iran never intended to violate its obligations under the nuclear agreement.”

Lavrov also warned that the reinstatement of sanctions on Iran would deal a severe blow to the credibility and authority of the United Nations.