In a rare show of unity, Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran blasted a European bid to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, denouncing the “snapback mechanism” as legally flawed and politically destructive.
In a diplomatic showdown with Europe, China and Russia joined Iran on Monday to reject a European initiative aimed at reviving United Nations sanctions on Tehran.
The move by the E3 — Britain, France, and Germany — invoked the controversial “snapback mechanism” of the 2015 nuclear deal, seeking to restore sanctions that had been lifted in exchange for limits on Iran’s nuclear program.
But in a joint letter, signed by the foreign ministers of China, Russia, and Iran, the three powers condemned the European attempt as “legally and procedurally flawed.” The letter, published by Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi on X, went further, accusing the E3 of “abusing the authority and functions of the UN Security Council.”
The confrontation comes as the 2015 deal — originally signed by Iran, the E3, China, Russia, and the United States — is set to expire in October. Washington’s withdrawal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump triggered a collapse in compliance, with Tehran ramping up uranium enrichment beyond agreed limits.
Araghchi stressed after the signing in Tianjin:
👉 “Our joint letter reflects the firm position that the European attempt to invoke snapback is legally baseless and politically destructive.”
Despite the fiery rhetoric, Tehran insists it remains open to diplomacy. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s readiness to resume “fair” nuclear negotiations if the West demonstrates “goodwill.”
