UN sanctions reimposed on Iran a decade after nuclear deal

Sweeping UN economic and military sanctions have been reimposed on Iran, ten years after they were lifted under the landmark 2015 nuclear accord, as European powers accused Tehran of persistent violations and refusal to cooperate with international monitors.

The UK, France, and Germany triggered the so-called “snapback” mechanism after what they described as Iran’s “continued nuclear escalation” and failure to meet its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The measures formally came into force on Saturday.

Foreign ministers from the three countries said in a joint statement that they had “no choice” but to act, citing Iran’s refusal to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) back into its nuclear facilities, as well as its growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium. “We urge Iran to refrain from any escalatory action,” they said, stressing that “the reimposition of UN sanctions is not the end of diplomacy.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denounced the sanctions as “unfair, unjust, and illegal,” insisting that Tehran had no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons. He warned that the renewed measures would put ongoing negotiations in jeopardy.

The foreign ministry added that any attempt to undermine the rights of the Iranian people would face a “firm and appropriate response.”

Pezeshkian has softened earlier threats to withdraw from the global Non-Proliferation Treaty but demanded assurances that Israel would not strike Iran’s nuclear sites before talks could move forward. He also rejected a U.S. offer of temporary sanctions relief in exchange for surrendering enriched uranium stockpiles, calling it “a trap.”

The JCPOA, signed in 2015 between Iran and six world powers, was designed to limit Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the agreement began unraveling after then-President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. in 2018, reimposing American sanctions and accusing Iran of using the deal to buy time for its nuclear ambitions.

In June this year, U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted several Iranian nuclear facilities and military bases, intensifying tensions and prompting Tehran to suspend IAEA inspections. Although the agency confirmed inspections have since resumed, Western officials argue Iran’s nuclear advances have already exceeded JCPOA limits.

The renewed sanctions deepen uncertainty over the future of the nuclear deal and raise the prospect of further escalation in the already volatile Middle East.