Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 10 years ago, Iran reached an agreement with Britain, Germany, France, the United States, Russia, and China.
The agreement is known as the “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action”, or what is known as the nuclear agreement.
This agreement lifted sanctions by the United Nations, the United States and Europe on Tehran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.
The UN Security Council approved the agreement in a resolution issued in July 2015. This resolution is scheduled to expire on October 18 (2025).
In addition to the ability of any party to the nuclear agreement to activate the “re-imposition” of sanctions.
If sanctions are reimposed, all measures previously imposed by the Security Council on Tehran will return.
That is, the arduous sanctions will return. Especially with the European Troika, that is, France, Germany and Britain, informing the Security Council yesterday, Thursday, of their activation of the “trigger mechanism” or “snapback” path.
What is the story of the 30 days?
It is noteworthy that the 2015 agreement had stipulated the process of “re-imposing sanctions”. This is, the trigger mechanism that the United Nations could use against Iran.
If the parties are unable to resolve the accusations of “(Iran’s) significant failure to perform,” this process could be activated. The activation would occur in the 15-member UN Security Council.
Now, with the process officially beginning, according to the European Troika statement, the Security Council must vote within 30 days. They must decide on a resolution to continue lifting sanctions on Iran.
This requires nine votes in favour and none of the permanent members using their veto power (veto).
However, if nine or more Council members vote in favor of extending or easing sanctions, Britain and France may use their veto power. They may block the decision with their veto.
If the resolution is not adopted, all UN sanctions on Iran will be reimposed in late September.
That is, 30 days after the start of the process of re-imposing sanctions unless the Security Council takes further measures.