France warns snapback sanctions remain EU's key leverage in Iran talks

Europe plays a central role in negotiations with Iran and holds powerful leverage, including the snapback of UN sanctions, France’s foreign minister said, warning that European powers may trigger the mechanism if Iran fails to reach a deal with world powers.

“Europeans have extremely powerful leverage,” Jean-Noël Barrot said on LCI Television Sunday.

Europe could reinstate the UN sanctions through the so-called snapback mechanism to press Iran for a diplomatic resolution, Barrot added.

“France, together with its European partners, can, with a simple letter, reimpose a global embargo on weapons, nuclear equipment, and banking and insurance sectors in Iran, which were lifted 10 years ago.”

Under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, any current party to the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) including France, Germany, the UK, Russia, and China can file a non-compliance complaint with the Security Council.

If no resolution is adopted within 30 days to maintain sanctions relief, all previous UN sanctions automatically snap back, including cargo inspections, arms embargoes, and restrictions on missile-related technologies.

To prevent snapback, the Council must pass a resolution during the 30-day review period; however, any permanent member can veto it. Therefore, if the US or E3 oppose, sanctions are reinstated by default.

US President Donald Trump said after military operations in Iran that Tehran "doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this one.”

In response to Trump’s remarks, Barrot said: “We hold this power, which is why we will play an essential role in these negotiations. Ten days ago, at President Trump’s request, I was in Geneva with my German and British counterparts to begin face-to-face discussions with Iran’s Foreign Minister.”

Barrot further said Iran’s continued cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is vital, calling the agency the most effective tool to implement and verify Non-Proliferation Treaty compliance.

Last week, Iran’s parliament approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, just one day after a ceasefire with Israel ended 12 days of conflict. Subsequently, Iran’s Guardian Council ratified the bill, mandating the government to halt cooperation.