EU reimposes sanctions on Iran after UN snapback mechanism triggered

The European Union confirmed on Monday that it has reimposed wide-ranging sanctions on Iran, following the United Nations' decision to restore its own punitive measures over Tehran's nuclear programme.

The move comes after Western powers triggered the "snapback" mechanism outlined in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal—officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—effectively reactivating sanctions that had been lifted under the accord.

The renewed EU sanctions include the UN-mandated restrictions on Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile activities, as well as broader financial penalties such as asset freezes targeting Iran’s central bank.

Tehran swiftly condemned the reinstatement as “unjustifiable,” rejecting the legitimacy of the move and defending its nuclear activities as peaceful.

Despite the escalation, EU and Western leaders emphasized that diplomatic engagement remains possible.

“This must not be the end of diplomacy,” said Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat, on Sunday, urging continued dialogue with Iran.

The reimposition of sanctions marks another major setback for the already fragile nuclear agreement, which has been under strain since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from it in 2018 and reimposed its own sanctions on Iran.

SR