The United Nations Reimposes Sanctions on Iran After 10 Years of Lifting Them

SadaNews - The United Nations has reimposed sanctions on Iran early this morning due to its nuclear program through the mechanism known as "snapback".

The UN sanctions on Iran were reactivated after the expiration of the "snapback mechanism" initiated by Paris, London, and Berlin at the end of August due to Tehran's failure to meet its commitments related to its nuclear program.

Following the approval of the Security Council and the failure of Russia and China on Friday to extend the deadline, severe sanctions ranging from an arms embargo to economic measures took effect automatically at 8 PM (New York time), ten years after they were lifted.

France, the UK, and Germany welcomed the reimposition of international sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear program and urged Tehran to "refrain from any escalatory actions".

The foreign ministers of the "European Troika" said in a joint statement: "We call on Iran to refrain from any escalatory actions and return to compliance with its commitments".

They added that the three countries "will continue to work with all parties to reach a diplomatic solution that ensures Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons".

What sanctions have been reimposed on Tehran?

The sanctions focus on companies, organizations, and individuals who contribute directly or indirectly to Iran's nuclear programs or the development of its ballistic missiles, including the provision of equipment, expertise, or financing. The measures include:

- A ban on the sale or transfer of conventional arms to Iran.

- Prevention of imports and exports or transfer of components or technology related to nuclear and ballistic programs.

- Freezing assets of entities and individuals linked to these programs abroad.

- Banning individuals involved in prohibited nuclear activities from traveling to UN member states.

- Restricting access to banking and financial institutions that may support these programs.

In addition to UN sanctions, the European Union may impose separate sanctions aimed at hitting the Iranian economy to pressure Tehran to comply, not just to stop its nuclear activity. Shipping companies are expected to be significantly affected by these sanctions.

This comes amid Western concerns over the possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, which Tehran strongly denies, asserting its right to develop a nuclear program for peaceful purposes.