On August 28, 2025, the UK, France and Germany (E3) announced their decision to trigger a “snapback” mechanism under UN Security Council resolution 2231. Iran described E3’s actions as “unjust, illegal and lacking legal basis.”
The snapback mechanism outlined in UN Security Council resolution 2231 allows JCPOA signatories (parties to the now-repeated nuclear agreement) to automatically revive UN sanctions that were lifted in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activity.
The measure is considered highly controversial and could sharply escalate the tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
To shed more light on this development, Mehr’s news agency contacted Professor Hongda Fan to get his opinions on the issue. Below is the full interview:
1. Isn’t the possibility of Iran’s potential withdrawal from the NPT (Non-Strengthening Treaty) effective for the JCPOA’s “snapback” mechanism?
In the face of the current hostile stances of several European countries and the US against Iran, Tehran certainly needs to respond. Withdrawal from the NPT is one option and is the legitimate right of Iran as an independent state. However, Tehran’s withdrawal from the NPT may not bring any major benefits to Iran. In this case, the UN Security Council believes it will be difficult for them to extend Iran’s sanctions exemption, and Iran is likely to face even more severe international sanctions.
2. What concrete actions should Iran take at the 30-day deadline to respond to international pressures and strengthen its position?
Meanwhile, Tehran should actively seek negotiations with three European countries: the UK, France and Germany, and should resume negotiations with the US. Negotiating with a friendly country is not a sign of weakness, but a way to better protect the national interests. What is Iran’s core national interest? Tehran must provide a clear answer that is consistent with the will of the people. International negotiations must be based on this.
On the other hand, if negotiations fail, Iran will inevitably face more severe international sanctions, especially from the West. In this context, Iran must actively expand its involvement with the East and the Global South. In this process, Tehran must demonstrate that this diplomatic choice is not a temporary measure but a manifestation of the country’s long-term diplomatic diversification.
In short, it is the country’s most pressing task whether Iran can achieve domestic unity and quickly turn the possibilities of its people into reality amidst the external uncertainty.
Hongda Fan is a professor at the Middle East Research Institute of China, Shanghai International Studies University.