WANA (Mar 05) – Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, has strongly criticized European threats to activate the “snapback” mechanism against Iran, calling such rhetoric both irresponsible and illegal. His comments came during the ongoing quarterly meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors.

 

In a statement, Ulyanov reminded that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is the product of a delicate diplomatic compromise, ensuring a balanced arrangement of commitments from all parties involved. He stressed that these commitments should never be violated, emphasizing that protective mechanisms were embedded in the deal for all parties to safeguard their interests.

 

Ulyanov pointed out that the United States violated the legally binding provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 in May 2018 when it unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA and imposed sanctions on Iran as part of its “maximum pressure” campaign. He also criticized the UK, France, and Germany for indirectly implementing the U.S. sanctions and later adopting similar actions, thus undermining the agreement.

 

Defending Iran’s position, Ulyanov stated that in response to the U.S. “maximum pressure” policy, Tehran demonstrated remarkable restraint, continuing to comply fully with the JCPOA and the Additional Protocol until February 2021. He argued that Tehran had made every effort to find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear crisis and that its use of the protective mechanisms within the deal was entirely justified.

 

He further highlighted that most of the allegations against Iran in the IAEA Director General’s report were the direct result of Iran exercising its rights under Resolution 2231. Additionally, he noted that the increase in Iran’s uranium production, reported in the IAEA’s latest update, was a consequence of the irresponsible actions of the U.S., UK, Germany, and France to deliberately weaken the agreement.

 

Ulyanov reaffirmed that Iran remains the most verified member of the IAEA, unlike some non-nuclear states that openly discuss creating their own nuclear military programs. He also pointed to the extensive and ongoing verification efforts in Iran, costing over 10 million euros annually, underscoring the scale of the Agency’s operations.

 

The Russian diplomat condemned the threats from the UK, France, and Germany to trigger the “snapback” mechanism, emphasizing that such actions not only violate their own commitments under the JCPOA but are also aimed at punishing Iran for Europe’s failure to negotiate. He reminded that negotiations were halted by Europe itself in August 2022.

 

Ulyanov further emphasized that Tehran has long been ready to return to the parameters of the JCPOA, provided that the U.S. and European capitals take coordinated actions in return. He criticized Western opponents for their reluctance to take meaningful steps toward resolving the issues they themselves created.

 

With just over six months remaining until October 18, 2025, Ulyanov urged all parties to choose a path of constructive engagement with Iran both before and after this critical date. He stressed that diplomatic resources remain available but require the necessary political will to be utilized. He also noted that the IAEA’s Director General could play a crucial role in this regard.

 

However, Ulyanov firmly rejected the endless accusations against Iran, warning that threats of military force would undermine any chance of a diplomatic resolution. He warned that such actions could lead to severe military, political, and humanitarian consequences not only for Iran but for the entire Middle East.