China and Russia align with Iran in opposing the European initiative to reinstate sanctions against Tehran

In a significant development, the European nations have initiated the "snapback mechanism" against Iran, accusing the Middle Eastern country of violating the 2015 nuclear deal. This move comes after Iran exceeded the uranium production limits set under the agreement.

The European countries, known as the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany), published a joint letter detailing their concerns. The letter, penned by Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, was published on X.

The decision to invoke the snapback mechanism was made following the US and Israel's bombing of Iran's nuclear installations in mid-June. The snapback mechanism, designed to restore international financial sanctions if Iran violated the terms of the 2015 deal, would allow sanctions that were lifted under the deal to take effect again.

However, Iran argues that its actions are justified in response to the US withdrawal from the agreement in 2018. The Iranian foreign minister stated that the European attempt to invoke the snapback mechanism is legally baseless and politically destructive. This sentiment was echoed in a joint letter signed with the foreign ministers of China and Russia in Tianjin.

The 2015 deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), provided relief from international financial sanctions in return for curbs to Iran's nuclear program. China, Russia, and Iran were signatories to the JCPOA, along with the E3.

The nuclear deal with Iran, which includes the E3, is set to expire in October this year. Previous attempts at a new nuclear agreement between Iran and the E3 have not been successful. The talks in Geneva last week did not yield sufficient signals of readiness for a new deal from Iran, according to the E3.

The Chinese leader who co-authored the joint statement with the Russian and Iranian foreign ministers is Xi Jinping, the President and Party Chief of China. The letter published by Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi states that the actions of Britain, France, and Germany abuse the authority and functions of the UN Security Council.

The move by Britain, France, and Germany to restore sanctions on Iran via the snapback mechanism is legally and procedurally flawed, according to the Chinese, Russian, and Iranian foreign ministers. This joint statement underscores the growing tension between the Western powers and Iran over the nuclear issue.