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A New Age for Iran’s Nuclear Program: The Reinstatement of Snapback Sanctions

The UN Security Council voted to endorse the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with one provision called the “snapback” mechanism. Intended to ensure Iran’s intention to live up to their commitments regarding their nuclear program. On September 27, 2025, the UN formalized this reimposition via such mechanism. The U.S. State Department issued a press release entitled “Completion of UN Sanctions Snapback on Iran”, emphasizing that measures be restored to prohibit uranium enrichment, heavy water activities, reprocessing, arms exchanges, and ballistic missile development. 


European powers invoked the snapback on August 28, which initiated a 30 day clock. During this period, diplomatic efforts were made to delay or block reinstatement, mainly from China and Russia. 


UNSC voting against Russia and China resolution to delay reimposition of sanctions via Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
UNSC voting against Russia and China resolution to delay reimposition of sanctions via Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Why Snapback Now? 


The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was built on tradeoffs, with insurances. In exchange for lessening their nuclear activities, Iran received relief from international sanctions. The insurance policy, however, emphasized that if Iran was to be found in significant non performance, any participant could trigger a reinstatement of prior sanctions within 30 days. So, as we saw earlier in August, European powers invoked their provision and 30 days later, the measure automatically returned. 


What do the Sanctions Mean? 


As laid out in the State Departments release, the sanctions also impose restrictions on Iran’s finance and energy sectors and limit access to international markets, intended to cut pathways for further nuclear advances. 

 

For Iran and its fragile economy, the sanctions could be detrimental. Iran’s currency, the Rial, has reached record lows. This has exaggerated inflation and driven up food and housing prices. It is argued Iran has avoided a complete economic collapse due to China contributing to oil purchases. However, increased fear of China seeking cheaper prices looms. 


Iranian officials have already rejected the legitimacy of this snapback. Iran’s parliament speaker has issued a warning to those who defend the sanctions saying they “will face serious reciprocal action from Iran….” according to APs report from an IRNA news agency. Parliament soon after, entered into a closed discussion. The probability of a counter attack of sorts is unknown.


Sanctions as a Pause, Not a Solution 


While the snapback sanctions serve as a powerful tool for international resolve, they do not constitute a long-term solution. They impose added costs on Iran and strengthen the narrative against nuclear escalation. However, they risk deepening an already polarized climate and open the doors to potential confrontations. 


For Iran, the choice between rebuilding and cooperation is one that carries existential implications for the regime's survival. The U.S. and UN face the challenge of enforcement, without closing off diplomatic avenues and preventing escalation. In the end, snapback sanctions buy time for strategy, but also highlight the growing tensions between global actors, emphasizing the need for resolution. 


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