WANA (Aug 21) – The three European signatories of the JCPOA, known as the European Troika—Britain, France, and Germany—have taken a new step to pressure Tehran by sending a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General.

 

They warned that if Iran does not return to nuclear negotiations or show signs of willingness to pursue a diplomatic solution by the end of August 2025, they will activate the “snapback” mechanism, a tool that could reinstate all UN Security Council sanctions previously lifted.

 

The Troika claims it has offered a limited suspension of this measure in exchange for Iran agreeing to talks with Washington, but Tehran has yet to respond. Meanwhile, even before the snapback mechanism could be activated, certain Israeli and U.S. officials have threatened Iran with renewed attacks.

 

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir recently stated, “If necessary, we know how to act again in Iran with full force.” He asserted that the recent war against Iran was a preemptive measure to eliminate what Israel claims is an existential threat stemming from Tehran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons.

 

The U.S. President Donald Trump echoed these threats, claiming, “We destroyed nuclear facilities in Iran, but I do not necessarily consider the conflict over. We may attack them again.”

WANA - Araghchi Meets E3 and EU Foreign Policy Chief in Geneva (1)

Araghchi Meets E3 and EU Foreign Policy Chief in Geneva. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iranian Official Warns Against Triggering the Snapback

Fadahussain Maleki, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and a member of Iran’s National Security Commission, commented on the potential activation of the snapback mechanism.

 

He said that, given current global dynamics and efforts toward stability and ending conflicts—including discussions on ending the Ukraine war between Trump, Putin, and European leaders—it is unlikely that European countries would take the dangerous step of triggering the mechanism.

 

He argued that enforcing the snapback would disrupt global and regional equations, as Iran is not a country that compromises its national interests easily.

 

Legally, he noted, with the U.S. having exited the JCPOA and Europe failing to fully meet its commitments, the agreement has effectively lost its technical and legal validity, rendering the snapback legally questionable.

 

Maleki also referenced Israel’s attacks on Iran during ongoing negotiations, which he said marked “the death of diplomacy.”

 

He warned that if Europe activates the snapback, Iran would respond with military measures, continuing the 12-day war and indicating that any future conflict would not be short-lived, posing serious risks to the entire region.

 

He emphasized that Iran, having recovered from the initial shock of the 12-day conflict, is fully prepared for offensive action if necessary.

WANA - Arak nuclear facility after U.S. strike

Arak nuclear facility after a U.S. strike. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Potential Withdrawal from NPT

Maleki highlighted that in the previous 12-day war, Iran regained the initiative after early losses, and if Europe activates the snapback, Iran would continue its confrontation with Israel.

 

He stated that Iran also has the option to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if the snapback is triggered—a measure long discussed within the National Security Commission and Parliament but currently held in reserve to avoid giving the West a pretext. Should European nations proceed with the snapback and replace diplomacy with military action, withdrawal from the NPT would be Iran’s first step.

 

Strengthening Domestic Security and Countering Espionage

On the topic of infiltration, Maleki stressed that all state institutions must pay close attention. In a recent meeting with the President, he urged serious action to identify and close deep intelligence gaps, particularly in air defense, and address vulnerabilities revealed during the first 24 hours of the 12-day war, when senior military commanders and nuclear scientists were killed.

 

He added that many individuals, both within and outside official structures, have been detained for suspected collaboration with Israel. While some were quickly released, investigations continue, with confessions providing new leads to uncover additional infiltrators.

 

Maleki praised security and judicial authorities for their efforts in detecting and dealing with espionage, emphasizing that ongoing work is gradually revealing more covert agents.