European Nations Retain Sanctions on Iran to Curb Drone and Missile Sales to Russia
In an effort to deter the sale of drones and missiles to Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have decided to maintain sanctions on Iran. These European nations believe that Iran violated the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal by enriching and storing uranium. Although Iran claims that its actions are legal and within the agreement, the European powers argue that their move clearly breached the terms of the deal.
Highly enriched uranium can be utilized for the production of nuclear weapons, which is why the European nations are concerned about Iran’s nuclear activities. The sanctions aim to prevent Iran from developing and exporting ballistic missiles and drones, which have been allegedly used by Russia in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed by Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers (United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, and Germany) eight years ago, Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear activities and allow international inspections in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. The agreement also prohibited the buying, selling, and transferring of drones and missiles to and from Iran.
The nuclear deal envisioned a transition day when remaining ballistic missile and nuclear-related sanctions on Iran would be lifted, along with an asset freeze on individuals and organizations implicated in advancing Iran’s nuclear program. However, the UK, France, and Germany have announced that they will integrate expiring United Nations sanctions into their own laws, intending to ensure Iran’s compliance with the deal.
Countries like Russia and China will no longer be bound by these restrictions if they fail to adopt similar sanctions to those imposed by the E3 nations before October 18th. The three European countries confirmed that the sanctions would continue until Iran fully adhered to the terms of the JCPOA. In response, Iran protested that the decision violated the E3’s obligations under the JCPOA and UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
The E3 defended their decision by stating that Iran had twice refused opportunities to return to the JCPOA and had expanded its nuclear program beyond the limitations specified in the agreement, without providing any credible justification for such actions.
It’s worth noting that the United States, under the leadership of Donald Trump, unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018. This withdrawal had significant implications for the accord and its implementation.
Overall, the decision by the UK, France, and Germany to maintain sanctions on Iran reflects their concerns regarding Iran’s breach of the nuclear deal. By targeting Iran’s ability to develop and export ballistic missiles and drones, they aim to deter Tehran from engaging in activities that may jeopardize regional and international security.
