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Russia warned Friday that European efforts to reimpose sanctions on Iran could lead to "irreparable consequences," criticizing Britain, France and Germany for moving to restore penalties over Tehran's non-compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement.
The three European nations, known collectively as the E3, notified the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that they "believe Iran to be in significant non-performance of its commitments" under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, according to a letter obtained by Agence-France Presse (AFP).
The foreign ministers of France, Britain and Germany invoked what is known as the "snapback" mechanism, initiating a 30-day deadline for reimposing sanctions that were suspended under the nuclear accord. The JCPOA originally provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.
"We strongly urge them to reconsider and review their erroneous decisions before they lead to irreparable consequences and further tragedy," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement released Friday.
Moscow accused the European trio of undermining diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the standoff over Iran's nuclear activities. Russia serves as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and is a signatory to the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iran has indicated it would "respond appropriately" to the European action, which threatens to end the most comprehensive diplomatic effort to peacefully address the Iranian nuclear crisis.
The snapback mechanism represents a significant escalation in the ongoing nuclear standoff, potentially unraveling years of international diplomatic work aimed at preventing Iranian nuclear weapons development while maintaining regional stability.
The dispute comes as Tehran and Moscow have strengthened political, military and economic cooperation over the past decade, with ties growing particularly close following Russia's military offensive in Ukraine. The deepening partnership has emerged as Russia has distanced itself from Western nations.
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