Europeans launch UN sanctions process against Iran, drawing Tehran ire
(VOVWORLD) - Britain, France and Germany on Thursday launched a 30-day process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program, a step likely to stoke tensions two months after Israel and the United States bombed Iran.
A view of the Arak heavy-water research reactor in Khondab district, Markazi province, Iran. (Photo: The Times of Israel/VNA)
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A senior Iranian official quickly accused the three European powers of harming diplomacy and vowed that Tehran would not bow to pressure over the move by the E3 to launch the so-called "snapback mechanism".
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the decision did not signal the end of diplomacy. His German counterpart Johann Wadephul urged Iran to now fully cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog agency and commit to direct talks with the United States over the next month. A senior Iranian official told Reuters the decision was "illegal and regrettable" but left the door open for engagement.
The UN Security Council is due to meet behind closed doors on Friday at the request of the E3 to discuss the snapback move against Iran, diplomats said.