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According to a spokesperson, Iran is actively coordinating with China and Russia through recent trilateral consultations to counter Europe’s attempts to invoke the United Nations’ “snapback” sanctions mechanism. Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), sanctions can be reimposed on Iran’s military and trade sectors if Tehran violates the agreement. However, Tehran argues that this mechanism lacks legal standing.
Iran has sought support from Russia and China following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that damaged key nuclear facilities. China has pledged to help Iran confront “bullying” and protect its sovereignty through dialogue, while Russia has taken a firm stance against threats to strike Iranian nuclear infrastructure again by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Tensions over Iran’s nuclear program escalated after Trump publicly threatened Tehran last month, prompting Iran to consider restarting uranium enrichment. Ongoing concerns have led Iran to seek broader security coordination among its alliances, as evidenced in meetings with China and Russia.
### Why It Matters
– **Support from Alliances**: Iran is building an alliance with Russia and China to counter Western pressures.
– **Security Coordination**: Iran aims for more coordinated efforts against potential attacks on its nuclear facilities.
– **Legal Challenges**: Iran has formally notified the U.S. that any attempt to reinstate sanctions through the snapback mechanism would be considered illegal.
### What To Know
– **Snapback Mechanism**: Iran has sent a letter to the UN secretary-general and Security Council, stating it considers any attempt to reinstate sanctions through this mechanism as illegal.
– **Sanctions Impact**: Snapback sanctions could reactivate six past U.N. resolutions, including export controls, travel bans, and asset freezes on key targets.
– **European Warning**: France, Germany, and the United Kingdom warned they may trigger snapback by August if no progress is made in talks with Iran.
### What People Are Saying
– **Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi**: “We will express our position regarding the E3’s comments on the snapback mechanism, which we think lacks any legal ground. Nonetheless, our effort will be to see if we can find common solutions.”
– **Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova**: “Serious alarm is raised by regularly voiced threats directed toward Iran to carry out new rocket-bomb attacks on its nuclear facilities. These declarations cynically cloak themselves behind ostensible concerns about the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
### What Happens Next
– **Technical Discussions**: Iran is open to technical discussions with the IAEA, which is expected to visit Tehran this month.
– **Future Negotiations**: The E3, along with China and Russia, are involved in ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the JCPOA issues.
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According to the content, which country has pledged to help Iran confront 'bullying' and protect its sovereignty through dialogue?
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