Iran Does Not Recognize Snapback; Enemies Seek to Spread Fear in Iran’s Markets
WANA (Oct 19) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy emphasized that Iran does not recognize the so-called “automatic return of sanctions” (snapback), saying that the effects of sanctions are real and tangible but manageable, and should not be exaggerated. He added that effective counteraction against sanctions largely depends on the internal strength of the economy, risk management capacity, and breaking the “fearful atmosphere” created by the other side.
Hamid Ghanbari, Deputy Minister of Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the effects of sanctions and the issue of “snapback” in his speech at a conference, stating clearly that Iran does not recognize the “alleged snapback.”
He said: “Although some in the past believed that resolutions and sanctions were ineffective, the experience of recent years has shown that sanctions have real effects. Therefore, the official policy of the country has shifted toward active resistance and negotiations to reduce its impact.”
Efforts to Reduce the Impact of Sanctions
The official referred to the Foreign Ministry’s shift in approach toward sanctions and said: “Efforts have been made to find and implement ways to circumvent or mitigate the effects of sanctions on trade and people’s livelihoods. However, it is necessary to be realistic about the extent of these impacts and avoid exaggeration. Continuing strong domestic policies and a resilient economy can strengthen Iran’s position at the negotiating table and prevent excessive concessions.”
Snapback Sanctions Have No Legal Basis Without UN Decision
Referring to the legal mechanism of the “snapback,” Ghanbari noted: “The automatic reimposition of sanctions can only have meaning through a decision by the UN Security Council, and such issues must be pursued through legal channels.”
He continued: “Even if we set aside the legal debate, the structure of Iran’s trade and its methods of international transactions have now changed. Sanctions will no longer have the same level of effect as they once did.”
Exaggerating Sanctions Is Harmful
Ghanbari also pointed to media and psychological intimidation, describing it as one of the objectives of the opposing side. He said: “Creating an atmosphere of fear in markets and among economic actors can, in itself, have real economic consequences. In some cases, companies have become inactive for years, or individuals have stopped economic activities altogether, while the media exaggerate the concept of ‘sanctions’ to magnify psychological and economic impacts.”
The deputy foreign minister described this as a form of ‘super-regime sanctioning’ and called for breaking this policy of intimidation through accurate information and prudent resilience.
A Strong Economy Strengthens Iran’s Position at the Negotiating Table
In another part of his remarks, Ghanbari underlined two key principles: first, realism in evaluating the effects of sanctions and avoiding exaggeration; and second, strengthening domestic economic capacity.
He said: “It must be emphasized that during negotiations, the other side should not be able to use Iran’s internal vulnerabilities to demand excessive concessions. If the domestic economy is strong and the country’s trade networks are resistant to shocks, Iran will have the upper hand in negotiations and will not be forced to grant major concessions.”
Hope, Productivity, and Continuity of Daily Life
Ghanbari concluded his remarks with a clear and practical message: “Alongside diplomatic efforts to lift or reduce sanctions, Iran must create conditions inside the country through genuine optimism and by strengthening its productive, commercial, and financial capacities, so that citizens’ daily lives and business activities are not disrupted. Negotiations may take years, but people’s lives should not be put on hold.”
He called on economic actors, the media, and specialized institutions to support the Foreign Ministry in breaking the “atmosphere of fear” and strengthening Iran’s internal capacities.
