TEHRAN — Iran on Tuesday strongly condemned the recent move by three European countries, acting under pressure from the U.S. and Israel, to unlawfully initiate the snapback mechanism aimed at reinstating UN Security Council sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iran remains closely aligned with Russia and China, both of which firmly oppose this illegitimate attempt to revive sanctions. 
In a joint letter, the three countries reaffirmed that the European Union and the involved nations “do not have the legal competence” to trigger the dispute resolution mechanism, which would effectively restore revoked Security Council resolutions.
Baghaei underscored that any extension of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 must be addressed exclusively within the Security Council, the only legitimate body empowered to make such decisions. He described the European countries’ actions as “highly irresponsible, illogical, and without any legal basis.”
Rejecting U.S. proposals for direct talks without accountability, Baghaei stressed that Iran cannot move forward in discussions without acknowledging past U.S. violations, including Washington’s 2017 unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA—a move that severely undermined diplomatic efforts.
“The JCPOA existed, but in 2017, the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement without any reason or excuse,” he stated, highlighting the continuous bad faith displayed by Washington.
Baghaei also condemned recent Israeli attacks on Iran during sensitive negotiation periods, saying Israel collaborated with the U.S. to
 sabotage peaceful diplomatic progress.
He criticized Western officials who openly praised the European snapback initiative, labeling their stance as clear evidence that the U.S. administration has long sought to disrupt the JCPOA and impose unjust pressures on Iran.
Clarifying Iran’s stance on cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Baghaei confirmed that recent IAEA visits were limited to routine fuel loading at the Bushehr nuclear reactor and denied any ongoing inspections. 
He reiterated Iran’s commitment as a responsible signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty while noting that parliament is carefully reviewing a new protocol following attacks on its nuclear sites.
Responding to Western accusations against Iran’s JCPOA compliance, Baghaei called out the hypocrisy of European nations and the UK, who have neglected their commitments since 2018 and thus lack standing to criticize Tehran.
He reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear activities are fully lawful, reflecting justified responses to U.S. withdrawal and European delays, and denounced Western diplomatic efforts aimed at forcing Iran into one-sided negotiations.
Baghaei condemned the EU and European countries for abandoning their mediator role and becoming instruments of pressure aligned with U.S. interests, calling the U.S. Secretary of State Marko Rubio’s support for the snapback “highly embarrassing” and a clear sign of external interference.