Araghchi: Iran’s Response to Snapback Activation Will Be Decisive
WANA (Sep 11) – Iran’s Foreign Minister stressed that if the snapback mechanism is activated, Tehran’s response will be inevitable. He said the type of response will be determined by the Supreme National Security Council, noting that several ideas have already been put forward.
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, on Thursday night, September 11, appeared on the state television program Special News Talk to outline the latest developments in the country’s foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran’s agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and disputes with three European states.
He emphasized that the validity of the recent agreement with the IAEA depends on the absence of hostile actions against Iran: “If the snapback mechanism is triggered, this agreement will no longer have any validity.”
Finalization of Iran-IAEA Understanding. Social media / WANA News Agency
The top diplomat added: “If snapback takes place, our reaction will be definite. The Supreme National Security Council will decide on the nature of this response. Some ideas have been proposed, but I prefer not to elaborate now.”
Araghchi went on to say that the recent negotiations with the IAEA had established a new framework for cooperation. He explained: “The Agency has recognized that attacks on our nuclear facilities are a violation of international law. It has also acknowledged that Iran is bound by the law passed by parliament, and that all cooperation must take place within the framework defined by the Supreme National Security Council.”
Discussing technical aspects, he noted that the refueling of the Bushehr nuclear power plant and inspections of the Tehran Research Reactor, which produces medical isotopes for over a million patients, require IAEA inspectors. However, any inspection of bombed nuclear facilities must first be reviewed and authorized by the Supreme National Security Council.
Bushehr Nuclear power plant. AEOI / WANA News Agency
Regarding threats from the three European states, Araghchi underlined: “We have not accepted their conditions because they are unrealistic and unreasonable. If Europe proceeds with snapback, it will not only fail to resolve the issue but will also exclude itself from Iran’s nuclear talks. Such a move would be a grave mistake and would lead nowhere.”
When asked about the possibility of Iran’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), he said: “Our options are not limited to leaving the NPT. A range of scenarios has been discussed in the Supreme National Security Council, and in case Europe activates snapback, one of these و pations will be adopted.”
The minister also confirmed that the exchange of Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandiari with French prisoners is in its final stages and expected to be completed soon.
Iranian citizen Mahdieh Esfandiari, a French translator and university lecturer, was arrested in France. Social media/ WANA News Agency
On regional issues, Araghchi condemned Israel’s crimes in Gaza, stressing: “The people of Gaza do not need our resolutions; they need water, medicine, and real support. At upcoming regional summits, including the extraordinary meetings of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Iran will propose cutting political and trade ties with Israel and imposing economic sanctions on the regime and its supporters.”
In closing, the Foreign Minister reflected on the challenges of the past year: “Over 120 countries expressed support for Iran. With the strength of our armed forces, diplomatic efforts, and the guidance of the Leader, Israel was eventually forced to accept a ceasefire. Today, too, we stand firm and will not allow pressures to undermine the interests of the Iranian people.”
