UN Sanctions on Iran Set to Resume After Nuclear Talks Collapse

ISLAMABAD: Iran is set to face sweeping United Nations sanctions late Saturday for the first time in a decade after nuclear negotiations with Western powers failed to yield progress.

The sanctions, scheduled to take effect at 0000 GMT Sunday, will globally restrict cooperation with individuals, companies, and organizations linked to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The decision comes after European nations triggered the “snapback” mechanism last month, citing Iran’s failure to provide clarity on its nuclear activities. Iran, in response, recalled its envoys from Britain, France, and Germany.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the move, arguing that Western powers were using sanctions as a tool to pressure Tehran politically. He rejected proposals that Iran surrender its enriched uranium in exchange for temporary relief, calling it a “trap.”

Despite the sanctions, Russia and China opposed the reimposition, labeling them invalid, but their efforts to delay enforcement failed at the UN Security Council.

Observers note that while Iran has already adapted to US sanctions, the snapback may worsen its struggling economy, already hit by inflation, currency instability, and infrastructure issues.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the development, warning that Israel would not hesitate to act against Iran’s nuclear program if necessary.

Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran would not seek nuclear weapons and confirmed the country would remain part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, despite mounting pressure.