Sanctions Reimposed on Iran a Decade After Landmark Nuclear Deal

United Nations sanctions on Iran have been reactivated, a decade after the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA) initially lifted them. The reimposition followed a move by the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to trigger the UN’s “snapback” mechanism after they said Tehran had failed to comply with nuclear commitments.

The snapback took effect on Sunday, restoring a global arms embargo and a suite of prohibitions and designations targeting Iran’s nuclear, missile, and conventional weapons programs, alongside travel bans and asset freezes on specified individuals and entities.

European officials said the decision reflected ongoing concerns about uranium enrichment levels, curtailed international monitoring, and advances in delivery systems.

The measures are intended to constrain sensitive activities and reassert international oversight while leaving room for future diplomacy if Tehran returns to compliance. The United States welcomed the restoration under UN authority and highlighted that these measures complement existing U.S. and EU sanctions frameworks.

Iran condemned the action as unlawful and politically motivated, insisting it has not sought nuclear weapons and accusing European governments of abusing the JCPOA framework.

Tehran recalled its ambassadors from the three European capitals for consultations and warned of potential reductions in cooperation with international inspectors, even as it signaled it would remain within the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The renewed UN measures add pressure to an economy already strained by high inflation, currency weakness, and prior U.S./EU restrictions.

Analysts expect the snapback to complicate Iran’s access to international finance, insurance, and shipping, and to deter arms transactions. Regional actors reacted along familiar lines: Israel urged sustained pressure, while Russia and China criticized the move and indicated they would not recognize the reimposed restrictions.

Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, AP News