Snapback Mechanism Did Not Trigger an Economic Shock in Iran
WANA (Oct 25) – Ali Zeinivand, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Interior for Political Affairs, announced that — contrary to earlier predictions — Iran’s economy has not experienced any immediate shock. “Despite the formal implementation of the snapback mechanism by the West, the initial forecasts of a sudden economic jolt in the country have not materialized,” Zeinivand said at a press conference.
He emphasized that this move is among the rare instances in which two permanent members of the UN Security Council — Russia and China — refused to recognize the decision of other members and officially rejected it. According to Zeinivand, this is “unprecedented” in international law and calls into question the legal legitimacy of the reinstated sanctions.
While limited short-term effects may occur, Zeinivand noted that because most U.S. sanctions are unilateral, “no new impact on Iran’s economic structure is expected.” He added that member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Iran’s neighboring countries “are determined to maintain regional and economic cooperation with Iran despite Western pressure.”
Russia, China, and Iran: The European Troika’s Resort to “Snapback” Is Legally Flawed
WANA (Oct 25) – The Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Russia, China, and Iran to the United Nations Office have stated in a joint letter to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the European Troika’s invocation of the so-called “snapback” mechanism is inherently flawed, both legally and procedurally. […]
Zeinivand also referred to the upcoming ECO ministerial meeting, scheduled to take place in Tehran on October 27–28 after a 15-year hiatus. He said the meeting is part of the Iranian government’s broader policy to strengthen regional cooperation and aims to revive long-stalled initiatives such as free trade and joint transportation projects.
Highlighting the geopolitical and economic potential of the ECO region — home to around 500 million people — Zeinivand noted, “Iran has proposed several initiatives, including the establishment of special free trade zones among member states, since a comprehensive free trade framework has not yet been realized.”
He went on to discuss Iran’s plans to expand its transit and logistics infrastructure, including rail connections from Qazvin to Rasht and Astara, and the strategic development of Chabahar Port. These projects, he said, could enhance Iran’s role in regional trade and connectivity.
Zeinivand further noted that, under the 14th government, Iran has expanded its border and security cooperation not only within the ECO framework but also with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iraq.
Diplomacy Against the Snapback Mechanism . JCPOA
He explained that the government’s new approach prioritizes “border diplomacy and economic diplomacy,” with provincial governors playing an active role in international engagements. “Governors from border provinces now accompany the president on foreign visits to sign bilateral and multilateral economic agreements,” he said.
Addressing Iran’s long-standing efforts in combating drug trafficking, Zeinivand stated: “If Iran had not fought against drug smuggling in its southeastern borders, the heart of Europe would be facing severe consequences today.” He stressed that Iran has paid a “global cost” to contain this issue, while the international community has yet to fully assume its shared responsibility.
Zeinivand’s remarks come as the formal implementation of the snapback mechanism — one of the West’s most contentious steps against Iran since the 2015 nuclear deal — faces open opposition from Russia and China, while regional partners continue to signal their intent to maintain economic ties with Tehran.
