On August 28, the UK, France and Germany began a 30-day process to reimpose UN sanctions, accusing Tehran of failing to comply with the 2015 global contract aimed at preventing the development of nuclear weapons.
Under that process known as snapback, the council now has to vote by late September on a resolution to permanently lift sanctions against Iran.
If no members have submitted such a resolution 10 days after the snapback process is triggered, it will be up to the Council President to do so, and in South Korea in September.
By confirming the text on Monday, South Korea can vote at any time before the 30-day deadline expires. It is unlikely that a resolution will be adopted.
As the UK, France and Germany are trying to persuade Iran to meet three requirements, the threat of reimposed UN sanctions could delay limited time to make room for consultations on long-term contracts to address concerns about Tehran’s nuclear program. Such delays require a resolution from the Security Council.
Iran’s strategic allies, Russia and China, extended the 2015 deal for six months later last month, completing a Security Council resolution urging all parties to resume negotiations immediately. But they haven’t asked for a vote yet.
If Russia and China place a resolution on the vote before Germany, France and the UK lag behind the agreement with Iran, it could be rejected by France, the UK or the US as needed.
“We believe we have an obligation to use every opportunity to advance the interests of the nation, express our demands, and warn of the consequences of reviving the UN Security Council resolutions that have been fired for misusing the snapback mechanism.”
He expressed his hope that Europeans would modify their approach by properly understanding the consensus outcomes of their opposing attitudes.
rhm/