Former Iranian nuclear chief calls snapback mechanism 'media hype'

A former head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Fereydoon Abbasi, dismissed the possibility of reimposed UN sanctions under the so-called snapback mechanism as political posturing by Western powers.

In comments carried by state media, Abbasi warned that Western pressure would persist regardless of Iran’s stance on enrichment or regional activities.

“Even if we abandon our nuclear and missile programs or stop supporting the Resistance Axis (Iran-backed regional militia), they will find new excuses,” he said, calling on authorities to “stand firm on nuclear rights and resist foreign interference.”

Abbasi, a former MP and physics professor who survived a 2010 assassination attempt, said Iran has achieved full mastery over the nuclear fuel cycle and does not need foreign partnerships to continue enrichment.

He also rejected proposals for multinational nuclear consortiums and argued that any move to reimpose sanctions would face resistance from China and Russia at the UN Security Council.