Iran's FM warns E3 against sanctions revival

TEHRAN -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday that Britain, France, and Germany (E3) should not undermine the credibility of the UN Security Council (UNSC) by triggering the snapback mechanism to reinstate sanctions on Tehran.

In a post on X, Araghchi said the E3 lacks the "legal, political, and moral standing" to invoke the 2015 nuclear deal's provisions or the UNSC Resolution 2231, which permit the reimposition of international sanctions if Iran is found in non-compliance with the agreement.

He noted that after the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, Iran exhausted dispute resolution mechanisms before taking remedial measures, while the E3 failed to honor their commitments and even backed the US "maximum pressure" policy.

"The E3 must refrain from any action that would only deepen divisions in the Security Council or that would have serious adverse consequences on its work," Araghchi said, noting that Iran is ready for "meaningful diplomacy," but will resist hostile measures.

Earlier in the day, a media report said Iran and the E3 have agreed to resume negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program.

Quoting an "informed source" without giving the name, the semi-official Tasnim news agency said Iran and the E3 are holding consultations on the date and venue of the negotiations. The upcoming negotiations are expected to be held at the level of deputy foreign ministers, it said.