Germans urged to depart from Iran amid concern of reprisals over financial penalties imposed
In a significant development, Britain, France, and Germany have initiated a 30-day process to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. This move comes two months after Israel and the United States carried out a series of attacks on Iranian targets.
The decision to launch the 'snapback mechanism' does not signify the end of diplomacy, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. However, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi considers any efforts by the E3 (Britain, France, and Germany) to revive UN Security Council resolutions terminated under resolution 2231 as invalid and ineffective.
Germany's foreign ministry has stated that Iranian government representatives have threatened consequences, and German interests and nationals may be affected by countermeasures in Iran. As a result, the German Embassy in Tehran can only provide limited consular assistance on site. In light of potential retaliatory acts by Tehran, Germany has advised its nationals to leave Iran.
Johann Wadephul, the German Foreign Minister, in connection with the E3's decision to activate the snapback mechanism, called on Iran to fully cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog and to enter into direct negotiations with the United States immediately after the mechanism was triggered to address Iran's nuclear program breaches.
Iran, however, is ready to resume diplomatic negotiations if other parties demonstrate seriousness and goodwill. Tehran continues to deny producing nuclear weapons.
In a separate development, Russia has condemned the move by the E3 to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. A senior Iranian official accused the three European powers of damaging diplomacy and vowed that Iran would not yield to pressure.
This escalation in tensions between Iran and the international community is a cause for concern, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days. Both parties are urged to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing nuclear dispute.
