An Iranian lawmaker warned that the country has reached a critical juncture between advancing its nuclear program or risking war, urging officials to forge a new version of the 2015 nuclear deal to end economic and political uncertainty.
Mostafa Pourdehghan, a member of parliament’s Industries and Mines Committee, said activation of the United Nations “snapback” sanctions mechanism had already cast a psychological shadow over Iran’s fragile economy.
“Whether or not the mechanism is enforced next week, both possibilities carry negative effects for markets,” he said, adding that “if the atmosphere of uncertainty continues, the country faces an even bleaker economic outlook.”
The lawmaker criticized past leaders for downplaying sanctions as “scraps of paper,” arguing that such populist positions left Iran isolated. “We have now reached the crossroads of nuclear and war,” he said. “We must either end this ambiguity or resolve fundamental issues with the international community while preserving national rights.”
Pourdehghan said Iran’s 2015 agreement with world powers created an opportunity, but internal divisions undermined its benefits and ultimately gave Washington space to exit the accord in 2018. He argued that only a new arrangement -- “a JCPOA 2 with updated structures and timelines” -- could help Tehran navigate sanctions and avert deeper crisis.
