Will Iran Respond to E3's Nuclear Sanctions Threat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Iran warns of a strong response to E3's sanctions.
- Claims of violations by the U.S. affecting compliance.
- Recent military actions have escalated tensions in the region.
- Diplomatic talks with the U.S. remain suspended.
- International scrutiny on the JCPOA continues.
Tehran, July 14 (NationPress) Iran has pledged to deliver “a proportionate and appropriate response” should France, Britain, and Germany—known as the E3—activate sanctions snapback mechanisms, as warned by Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday.
This caution, expressed by Baghaei during a weekly press briefing, follows the E3's threat to reinstate international sanctions concerning Iran's nuclear activities.
Baghaei condemned the E3's threat as politically driven and devoid of legal and moral legitimacy. He emphasized that Iran still views itself as a participant in the 2015 nuclear agreement, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), asserting that Iran's diminished compliance stems from “flagrant violations” by the United States and specific other signatories, according to Xinhua news agency.
He stated that the E3 have failed to meet their own JCPOA commitments, arguing that invoking the mechanism is misplaced given the recent Israeli-US assaults on Iranian nuclear sites.
Baghaei excluded the possibility of resuming nuclear discussions between Iran and the United States until “the effectiveness of diplomacy and the negotiation process” is guaranteed.
From April 12 to May 23, Iran and the United States engaged in five rounds of indirect negotiations concerning Tehran's nuclear program and the lifting of US sanctions.
Just two days prior to the anticipated sixth round, which was set for June 15 in Muscat, Oman, Israel executed significant airstrikes on various locations in Iran, including nuclear and military facilities, resulting in the deaths of senior officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
In response, Iran launched multiple waves of missile and drone strikes against Israel.
On June 22, US forces conducted bombings on three Iranian nuclear sites: Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran targeted the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
After 12 days of conflict, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached on June 24.