TEHRAN – A spokesman for the Iranian government said Steve Witkov, the envoy of US President Donald Trump, did not appear at the Iranian proposed meeting after Tehran met in person with foreign ministers from three European countries and representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“Witkov didn’t compete in the meeting,” explained Fateme Mohajelani. Europe told Iran that if they wish to extend its pre-JCPO sanctions, they should agree to meet in person with US representatives.
The spokesman added that even Iran’s offer to delay the 45-day mechanism was rejected by pressure from the Zionist lobby.
The UN confirmed the reinvigoration of “snapback” sanctions against Iran after the UN Security Council adopted the resolution and did not extend Resolution 2231 for six months.
He is the original signatories of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), following the formal invocation of the “snapback mechanism” by France, the UK and Germany last month.
Under the JCPOA, Iran has accepted the restriction of trust assets on its nuclear program in exchange for lifting UN, US and EU sanctions.
The contract was approved by UN Security Council resolution 2231 and also set a timeline for the permanent expiration of nuclear-related restrictions in October 2025.
However, Iran has repeatedly accused the United States of America, even under former President Barack Obama, to allow Tehran to economically benefit from the transaction.
In 2018, the US unilaterally withdraws from the JCPOA and reimposes drastic sanctions on Iran.
In response, and after European parties waited more than a year to compensate for the US withdrawal, Tehran gradually began to reduce compliance with nuclear limits according to the JCPOA.
The expiration of restrictions in October 2025 was intended to show the conclusion of a decade-long nuclear conflict and normalize the nuclear state of Iran.
However, E3 sought to prevent this by invoking a dispute resolution mechanism for transactions known as the snapback mechanism originally formulated to allow for the recovery of anti-Iran sanctions if Tehran is found in violation of its commitment.
However, E3 is not in a position to trigger a mechanism, as Iran claims that cutting its commitments is a legal and legitimate response to its failure to fulfill its US and EU obligations.
Russia, China and several other countries have supported Iran’s position and declared they are unaware of the recovery of anti-Iran sanctions.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Guardians Council chief accused the revival of sanctions against the country of illegality.
Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said the move shows that hegemony powers are unreliable and rejecting their commitment.
Giannati may have added Iran’s independence and have always led his enemies to the country and endure hostility since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
The top clergy pointed out that Iranians are always keen to protect their dignity and refuse to succumb to excessive demands of hegemonic power.