UN Reimposes Sweeping Sanctions on Iran 10 Years After Landmark Nuclear Deal
The United Nations has re-imposed sweeping economic and military sanctions on Iran, effective immediately, marking the end of a decade-long reprieve granted under a landmark nuclear deal. The move was triggered by "continued nuclear escalation" and lack of cooperation from Iran, according to the UK, France, and Germany, which accused Tehran of violating international agreements.
The sanctions were reimposed after the three European partners activated the so-called "snapback" mechanism, a provision in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that allows for the automatic reactivation of economic and military sanctions if Iran fails to comply with its obligations. The UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, alongside her French and German counterparts, urged Iran against "escalatory action," warning that further provocation would only lead to more severe consequences.
According to a statement released by the UN, the reimposition of sanctions is aimed at pressuring Iran to return to compliance with the JCPOA. The move comes despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's assurances that his country has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. However, the US and Israel have accused Iran of secretly pursuing a nuclear program, citing recent attacks on its nuclear facilities.
The reimposition of sanctions marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the international community. The JCPOA was signed in 2015 by Iran, the US, UK, France, Germany, China, and Russia, lifting economic sanctions in exchange for Tehran's commitment to limit its nuclear program. However, since the US withdrawal from the deal in 2020, tensions have been escalating, with both sides accusing each other of non-compliance.
According to a report by Reuters, Iran suspended inspections of its nuclear facilities earlier this year after Israel and the US bombed several of its nuclear sites and military targets. The move was seen as a clear breach of the JCPOA's terms, which require Iran to allow international inspectors access to its nuclear facilities.
Experts warn that the reimposition of sanctions will have far-reaching consequences for the Iranian economy, already reeling from years of economic hardship. "The sanctions will further exacerbate the economic crisis in Iran, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment," said Dr. Saeed Ghasseminejad, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
The current status of the situation remains uncertain, with both sides digging in their heels. The UN has called on all parties to return to negotiations and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, the path forward is fraught with challenges, and it remains to be seen whether the reimposition of sanctions will ultimately lead to a more stable and secure Middle East.
In a statement, the UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said, "We urge Iran to de-escalate tensions and return to compliance with its international obligations. The reimposition of sanctions is a necessary measure to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons."
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC World.
