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Iran is seeking support from China and Russia to counter potential new sanctions imposed by the West, which has been pressuring Tehran to curb its uranium enrichment program and reach a nuclear deal soon. Newsweek reached out to Chinese and Russian embassies and the European Commission’s foreign affairs spokesperson for comments.
### Why It Matters
Iran is in conflict with Europe over its rights to enrich uranium under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which expires in October. The E3 nations, backed by the U.S., have threatened sanctions through the “snapback” mechanism.
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**Handout photo by the Iranian Army Office on March 12, showing local officials and navy personnel at a joint military drill in the Gulf of Oman.**
### Key Points
China and Russia are assisting Iran to challenge the E3’s claims within the United Nations Security Council regarding the right to enforce the snapback mechanism. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told IRIB that if snapback occurs, it will be harmful and Iran will resist until the end.
The E3, along with the U.S. and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), claim that Iran has exceeded uranium enrichment limits and reduced transparency on centrifuge use, actions they warn could advance Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Tensions between Iran and the IAEA have escalated, with no monitoring inspectors currently present in Iran’s nuclear facilities. While Iran acknowledges increasing enrichment levels from 20 to 60 percent, it insists its program is for civilian purposes only.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned the JCPOA in 2018, citing insufficient restrictions on Iran.
In response to attacks by the U.S. and Israel that damaged key sites in June, halting ongoing nuclear talks, Tehran has sought deeper security ties with Russia and China, which have rejected these bombings.
### What People Are Saying
**Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:**
“The Europeans now have until October 20 to trigger snapback, but because of their positions, including emphasis on zero enrichment, they are not entitled to discuss or implement any part of the JCPOA. There is a legal challenge between us and Europe, and China and Russia share our stance.”
**E3 Nations:**
“In a letter dated August 8, the E3 stated that if Iran does not respond positively, the E3 would use UNSCR provisions to trigger U.N. snapback against Iran, which would prohibit enrichment and reimpose sanctions.”
**Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi:**
“China will support Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty and dignity, resisting power politics and bullying, and defending legitimate rights through political negotiations.”
### Next Steps
Araghchi expects a decision on the E3’s snapback attempt at the U.N. Security Council by the end of August.
