The European Union has reimposed sanctions on Iran in response to “Iran’s nuclear proliferation activities,” the European Council announced.
The action follows the invocation of the “snapback” mechanism. According to the Council, the measures reintroduced on September 29 include travel bans, asset freezes, and economic sanctions. Bans on the import of oil, natural gas, petroleum products, energy sector goods, gold, precious metals, certain naval equipment, and some software have also been implemented.
Iran’s Parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned that countries placing sanctions on Iran will receive a reciprocal response, Iranian outlet PressTV reports.
“We declare that if any country takes action against Iran based on these illegal[ly re-imposed] resolutions, it will be met with a reciprocal response from Iran, and the three European countries behind this unlawful move will also see our reaction,” Qalibaf said, adding, “We believe our right to enrichment is still recognized under international law.”
The United Nations recently reinstated an arms embargo on Iran after a resolution calling for a six-month extension of sanctions relief failed in a 4-9 vote. Those voting in favor of the resolution included Russia, China, Algeria, and Pakistan. Opposing nations were the United States, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Greece, Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia, while Guyana and South Korea abstained from the vote.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said of the sanctions: “President Trump has been clear that diplomacy is still an option—a deal remains the best outcome for the Iranian people and the world. For that to happen, Iran must accept direct talks, held in good faith, without stalling or obfuscation. Absent such a deal, it is incumbent on partners to implement snapback sanctions immediately in order to pressure Iran’s leaders to do what is right for their nation, and best for the safety of the world.”
