EU Rapidly Reimposes UN Sanctions on Iran

EU Takes Decisive Steps on Sanctions Against Iran

In a statement issued by the European Union (EU) External Action Service (EEAS), remarks by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas regarding the re-implementation of United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iran were included.

Diplomatic Talks Proved Fruitless

Kallas emphasized that diplomatic negotiations aimed at halting UN sanctions with Iran had been unsuccessful. Therefore, she stated that the sanctions would be re-imposed without delay.

Nuclear Commitments and Diplomacy

Kallas noted that the re-imposition of sanctions should not signify the end of the diplomatic process, and called on Tehran to fulfill its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

“Snapback” Mechanism Activated

The United Kingdom, France, and Germany decided to trigger the “snapback” mechanism of the 2015 nuclear agreement, which became invalid after the US's unilateral withdrawal in 2018, on August 28. This mechanism allows for the automatic re-imposition of UN sanctions if Iran violates the agreement. If a new agreement cannot be reached at the last minute, the sanctions will be re-imposed as of the night of September 28!

Re-imposed Sanctions and Their Effects

Within the framework of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231, with the re-implementation of sanctions, certain measures applied between 2006-2010 have regained validity. Here are some key points:

• Arms Embargo: The embargo, which expired in 2020, prohibits the shipment of conventional weapons to Iran.
• Nuclear and Missile Restrictions: Uranium enrichment and the activities of heavy water production facilities will be suspended.
• Financial and Travel Bans: Asset freezes and travel restrictions targeting hundreds of individuals and entities will be re-imposed.
• Supervision of Maritime Trade: UN member states will be authorized to inspect shipments to and from Iran.