The UN Security Council is set to vote Friday on reimposing sweeping economic sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program—a move Tehran calls "cruel." Tensions are rising as global powers clash over the fate of the 2015 nuclear deal. Here’s the breakdown:
Why Now?
Britain, France, and Germany—key players in the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—accuse Iran of violating the agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron claimed Iran’s recent actions "aren’t serious," doubling down on plans to reinstate sanctions by month’s end. The European trio triggered a 30-day "snapback" process in August, demanding Iran restore UN nuclear inspections and address its enriched uranium stockpile.
Iran’s Countermove
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi says he presented a "reasonable plan" to European leaders this week, emphasizing Tehran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He slammed the sanctions push as "without legal justification," urging diplomacy to avoid a crisis.
JCPOA: A Deal on Life Support?
The 2015 deal promised sanctions relief in exchange for Iran curbing its nuclear activities. But after the U.S. withdrew in 2018, Iran scaled back compliance. With the UN General Assembly starting next week, all eyes are on whether talks between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and global leaders can salvage the agreement.
What’s Next?
Sanctions could kick in as early as next week—unless last-minute negotiations pull off a surprise. As Araghchi put it: "Now it’s the other sides’ turn to prevent an avoidable crisis." Will diplomacy win? 🤝 Or are we headed for a nuclear standoff? 💥
