IranWire:

FARAMARZ DAVAR

The term “snapback” might sound casual, but in the context of Iran’s nuclear agreement, it represents one of the most powerful diplomatic tools ever planned in international relations.

At its core, the snapback mechanism is an emergency brake built into the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) - a unique provision that allows for the swift reimposition of United Nations sanctions against Iran if it violates its nuclear commitments.

The snapback mechanism, or the automatic reimposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran, has been a topic of debate, uncertainty, and at times, criticism of the JCPOA negotiating team for nearly a decade in Iran’s political and legal circles.

This was a method for the swift return of Security Council sanctions, designed and proposed by Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, and included in Resolution 2231.

As October 18, 2025, approaches - the tenth anniversary of the JCPOA and the deadline for deciding whether to terminate or extend UN Security Council Resolution 2231 - the snapback mechanism outlined in the resolution has once again drawn attention in Iran.

UN Security Council Resolution 2231 was adopted after the JCPOA agreement was reached, and it annulled six previous Security Council resolutions regarding Iran’s nuclear program and most of the UN sanctions.

However, it included a provision that if the Islamic Republic fails to comply with the JCPOA, the sanctions could quickly be reimposed.

Britain has said it is prepared to trigger the snapback mechanism against Iran over violations of the nuclear deal.

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