Tehran outlines scenarios for Iran’s response to snapback mechanism

An Iranian lawmaker warned the European troika that their bid to trigger the snapback provisions of the 2015 nuclear deal would compel Iran to take a series of measures in retaliation, including withdrawal from the NPT and uranium enrichment above 60 percent purity.

Speaking to Iranian Tasnim news agency, Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, cautioned the UK, France and Germany that resorting to the snapback mechanism of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) would have consequences.

While Iran has suspended the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol and is still a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), the continuation of external pressures may lead to a shift in Iran’s policies, the MP added.

Rezaei reminded the Western governments that pressuring Iran will force the country to consider a series of plans, such as withdrawal from the NPT, an increase in the level of uranium enrichment to over 60 percent purity, the production and export of advanced centrifuge machines, and beginning of broader nuclear cooperation.

Last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned the European troika that triggering the snapback mechanism will complicate matters further, end the EU3’s role in the talks on Iran’s nuclear program, and do irreparable damages to diplomatic relations.