Iran Embassy: Japan’s Resumption of Sanctions Following Snapback Is Unlawful

According to the Sama News Agency, the Iranian Embassy in Tokyo, in response to Japan’s resumption of economic sanctions against Iran following the alleged implementation of the “snapback” mechanism, stated that this action lacks legal validity, as the related sanctions and resolutions had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement. According to the Japanese government’s decision, the assets of 78 Iranian entities and 43 individuals in Japan will be frozen—an action that Iran considers contrary to UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

The embassy recalled that Resolution 2231 terminated all nuclear-related sanctions and did not grant any country the authority to unilaterally redefine or manipulate its provisions; therefore, the claims by the U.S. and European countries regarding the activation of the “snapback mechanism” are baseless. Iran emphasized that the U.S.’s unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA and the imposition of sanctions constituted a clear violation of Resolution 2231, and the European troika also failed to fulfill its commitments, meaning none of them have the legitimacy to activate this mechanism.

According to the embassy, Iran was compelled to take remedial measures within the framework of its rights under the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 because the actions of the U.S. and Europe violated the agreement. The statement also referenced indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S., mediated by Oman, which were halted due to Israeli attacks with U.S. support. Iran stated that it engaged in the talks in good faith, but these efforts were met with hostility and aggressive actions by the opposing side.

The embassy stressed that the August 28 declaration by the European troika violated Article 11 of Resolution 2231, and any attempt to impose illegal decisions on the Security Council or the UN Secretariat threatens the impartiality of the Secretariat; therefore, no legal action has occurred that could reinstate expired resolutions.

Finally, Iran reiterated that the restrictions under Resolution 2231 should be terminated as scheduled on October 18, 2025, and emphasized its inalienable right to peaceful nuclear energy. The statement also reaffirmed that any weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, are inhumane and contrary to Islamic principles as well as Iran’s defensive doctrine.