WANA (Aug 23) – A member of Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission warned that if European countries move to activate the so-called “snapback” mechanism, Tehran will seriously consider withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

 

Esmail Kowsari, a member of the commission, said regarding Europe’s threat to trigger snapback sanctions: “The reality is that the mechanism known as snapback lost its effectiveness during Trump’s first term. At that time, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA, rendering the agreement practically void. The Europeans, despite having commitments, never fulfilled them.”

 

He added that the U.S. and its allies act as if they are above the law and believe their decisions must be imposed on the world: “Where in international law is it permitted for one or a handful of powers to arbitrarily dictate to other countries? This is precisely why mechanisms like snapback have no validity or function.”

 

Kowsari criticized the role of the United Nations, saying that instead of fulfilling its legal and arbitration responsibilities, it has allowed veto-wielding powers—particularly the U.S., the U.K., and France—to violate laws and exploit international mechanisms for their own interests. He argued that talk of activating snapback is more a form of psychological pressure against Iran than a move with genuine legal standing.

 

The lawmaker emphasized that Iran fully complied with its JCPOA obligations on time, a fact that can be proven before any international court, while the U.S. not only reneged but imposed new sanctions. He accused European countries of following Washington’s lead instead of honoring their commitments.

 

Kowsari warned: “If Europeans once again attempt to use the ineffective snapback mechanism, the Islamic Republic has multiple options on the table. One of the most important is withdrawal from the NPT. The decision will, of course, be based on national interests, but if the interests of the Iranian nation require it, we will certainly leave the treaty.”

 

He stressed that Iran has never violated the law, citing the JCPOA as proof, but said if the other side acts illegally and unjustly, Tehran will respond proportionately. Withdrawal from the NPT, he said, would be a “serious and definite option” should snapback be pursued.

 

Kowsari concluded that years of pressure and sanctions have failed to force Iran into retreat, instead strengthening the people’s resistance: “The Iranian nation has repeatedly shown that it will stand against U.S. bullying and its allies. If they choose to ignore the rights of the Iranian people, Iran’s response will be firm, lawful, and deterrent.”

Iran and the European Troika - WANA