UANI Statement on E3’s Invocation of U.N. Snapback Sanctions

(New York, NY) – United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) Chairman Governor Jeb Bush and CEO Ambassador Mark D. Wallace released the following statement after the E3 invoked the U.N. snapback sanctions mechanism today:

“UANI applauds the E3 for invoking the U.N. snapback sanctions mechanism today under U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231. Iran’s regime has been in significant non-compliance with the failed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for years, as confirmed by the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Tehran itself has even admitted to lying to the international community about its nuclear program, after revealing it had secret undisclosed enrichment facilities. Triggering the snapback mechanism is long overdue. If fully realized, it represents the final nail in the coffin of the JCPOA. 

“Since President Trump’s first term, UANI has consistently called for the invocation of the snapback sanctions mechanism. This latest step is necessary, but not sufficient. Public reporting indicates the E3 will continue to offer Tehran a pathway to avoid the official reimposition of U.N. sanctions by agreeing to a series of half-measures which Iran was already under a legal obligation to employ, namely restoring International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring of its nuclear program and making a credible commitment to diplomacy. 

“Such an offer will allow Iran’s regime to make token concessions today, while stalling tomorrow. The E3 should learn the lessons of its failed and endless diplomacy with the Islamic Republic. Tehran only responds to diplomatic isolation, severe economic pressure, and a credible military threat. 

“The reimposition of U.N. sanctions would restore previous U.N. Security Council resolutions which required Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment. This would bolster President Trump’s position of zero enrichment in Iran. Furthermore, the restoration of the international arms embargo and restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program—which were irresponsibly allowed to expire in October 2020 and 2023, respectively—are needed to counter Iran’s ability to rebuild its military capabilities after the successful U.S. and Israeli military strikes. This would also increase limitations on the Iranian regime’s ability to proliferate its lethal Shahed-136 drones—a terror weapon the Iranians have deployed globally, including in Europe. 

“If Iran wants to avoid international sanctions, it must agree to fully dismantle its nuclear program or risk further military action.”