U.S. Senator Ted Cruz announced that Marco Rubio, the new U.S. Secretary of State, supports activating the snapback mechanism against the Iranian regime. According to Cruz, Rubio responded to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stating that implementing the snapback mechanism is essential for U.S. national interests.
Elise Stefanik, Trump’s nominee for the United Nations, also identified the revival of the snapback mechanism as one of her main goals. She emphasized that countering the Iranian regime’s policies is a priority in her agenda at the United Nations.
The snapback mechanism refers to the automatic reinstatement of United Nations sanctions against the Iranian regime. This process is outlined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and is valid until October 2025. According to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, countries have until fall of next year to activate the snapback mechanism.
The reinstatement of international sanctions would obligate the Iranian regime to halt uranium enrichment activities and research and development. It would also prohibit the transfer of related materials and equipment to Iran.
The snapback mechanism also reinstates conventional arms embargoes. All countries would be required to inspect shipments to and from Iran, and any prohibited cargo would be confiscated.
The U.S. cannot activate the snapback mechanism due to its withdrawal from the JCPOA during Trump’s presidency. However, European powers have until October of next year to activate this process.
Germany, France, and the United Kingdom announced in November 2024 that they were ready to activate the snapback mechanism. This announcement followed a report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about Iran’s 60% uranium enrichment. The European parties also pointed to the Iranian regime’s military support for Russia and adopted a tougher stance.
European Troika’s Threat to Activate the Snapback and the Clerics’ Pleas
The IAEA Board of Governors adopted a resolution against the Iranian regime in November 2024. This resolution condemned the expansion of Iran’s nuclear activities and its lack of cooperation with the agency. It was the second resolution in six months.
Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian regime’s Foreign Minister, warned that the reinstatement of sanctions might alter the nature of Iran’s nuclear program. His remarks have been interpreted as a potential reference to the possibility of nuclear weapons development.
The UK, France, and Germany held negotiations with the Iranian regime in Vienna ahead of Trump’s return to the White House. The goal of these talks was to discuss the conditions for activating the snapback mechanism and reimposing sanctions.
The snapback mechanism is a tool to pressure the Iranian regime. It can reinstate all sanctions and impose severe restrictions. Global powers use this mechanism to curb Iran’s nuclear program.
Until the expiration of the JCPOA, the snapback mechanism will remain one of the most important international tools for controlling the Iranian regime. If conditions remain unchanged, the likelihood of activating this mechanism will increase. Global powers will use this tool to ensure regional and international security.
On Monday, January 13, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, the Iranian regime’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and his counterparts from France, the UK, and Germany attended a confidential meeting. No details from the
session have been released. Kazem Gharib Abadi, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, was also present.
This meeting was the second round of negotiations in the past two months. The talks, held in Geneva, involved Iranian regime officials and the European Troika. Trump supporters in the U.S. deemed these negotiations futile and have urged Washington not to trust the Iranian regime.
Fear of Snapback Activation and Seeking Negotiations Despite Official Denial
Senator Ted Cruz accused the Biden administration of yielding to Tehran.
Joe Wilson, a member of Congress, made similar remarks. He stated that the Iranian regime is deceitful and seeks only chaos. He added that maximum pressure will soon be imposed on the regime and assured that Trump will rectify the situation.
Marco Rubio, the newly appointed U.S. Secretary of State, commented that the Iranian regime is exploiting opportunities to expand its nuclear program. Rubio emphasized that these actions are escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, rejected direct negotiations with Washington. He stated that the regime is unaware of the new U.S. administration’s position on the JCPOA.
Araghchi declared that negotiations between the Iranian regime and the U.S. have only been indirect. He referred to the Oman talks, which he called the “Muscat Process.”
Meanwhile, some Iranian officials have spoken about the necessity of direct negotiations. Ali Abdolalizadeh announced that the regime has reached a point of needing “face-to-face negotiations” and emphasized that talks should be held with Trump.
Mohammad Javad Larijani, an advisor to Khamenei, expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “If it serves the interests of the regime, even in the depths of hell, negotiations with the devil are possible.”
The threat of the snapback mechanism has created significant concern within the Iranian regime.
In recent months, the Iranian regime has been in its weakest domestic and international position. The snapback mechanism brings the return of sanctions and international pressures. This mechanism will lead to the
suspension of Iran’s nuclear activities. The snapback mechanism poses a serious threat to the Iranian regime and has generated significant fear.
