Europe must invoke ‘snapback’ sanctions on Iran, US lawmakers say, as Trump resumes ‘maximum pressure’

In a recent resolution, U.S. lawmakers have called on Europe to reinstate harsh United Nations sanctions on Iran, accusing Tehran of repeated violations of the 2015 nuclear deal brokered by the Obama administration. The bipartisan legislation urges the U.K., France, and Germany to invoke \”snapback\” sanctions on Iran through the UN Security Council immediately, following the U.S.’s lead under President Donald Trump’s \”maximum pressure\” executive order to isolate Iran over its nuclear activity.

Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., the number two Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and lead sponsor of the bill, emphasized that Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism and poses a significant threat to the security of the U.S. and its allies. The legislation, which has 11 cosponsors in the Senate, aims to ensure the success of President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign through the reinstatement of sanctions on Iran.

Under the 2015 Iran deal, Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. However, Iran later cut off access to inspectors and resumed its nuclear program, prompting the U.S. to withdraw from the agreement and impose its own sanctions regime. Despite efforts by the Biden administration to revive the deal, these attempts have faltered, leading lawmakers to push for the reinstatement of UN sanctions.

The legislation introduced by Reps. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., and Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., calls on European nations to invoke snapback sanctions before the deal expires in October 2025. Tenney emphasized that the snapback sanctions would restore all UN sanctions on Iran lifted under the Obama administration’s nuclear deal.

Iran has been rapidly increasing its uranium enrichment to up to 60% purity, a level deemed unnecessary for civilian use. This has raised concerns among Western states about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In response, Britain, France, and Germany have expressed readiness to trigger the snapback of all international sanctions on Iran if necessary.

President Trump, while expressing reluctance over imposing harsh sanctions on Iran, reiterated his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. He emphasized the importance of exploring diplomatic solutions before resorting to military action. However, Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the possibility of negotiations with America, citing past experiences, and called for the further development of Iran’s military capabilities.

The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran highlight the need for decisive action to address Iran’s nuclear activities and ensure regional stability. By reinstating UN sanctions on Iran, Europe can demonstrate a united front against Iran’s provocations and support efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.