Russia and China Reject Europe’s Move to Reinstate Sanctions on Iran

Russia and China Reject European Sanctions Move Against Iran, Global Tensions Rise

The recent decision by European nations to reimpose United Nations “snapback” sanctions on Iran has triggered a new wave of diplomatic tension worldwide. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) activated the mechanism, accusing Iran of breaching commitments under the nuclear deal by restricting inspectors’ access and expanding its nuclear activities. If enforced, these sanctions would restore the restrictions lifted under the 2015 agreement, including an arms embargo, asset freezes, and severe financial limitations.

Russia immediately denounced the move, calling it “irresponsible and unlawful.” Moscow stressed that it is the Western powers themselves who are undermining the nuclear agreement and pointed to recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as the real source of instability.

China also strongly opposed the European decision, warning that such measures could further destabilize the Middle East. Beijing suggested granting Iran at least a six-month technical window to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue rather than rushing into punitive sanctions.

On the other hand, Iran rejected the European move as “illegal and unjust.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi argued that Europe ignored the dispute-resolution mechanism already outlined in the nuclear deal. He warned that if sanctions are reinstated, Iran would deliver a “proportionate and firm” response.

Despite its warnings, Tehran signaled that it remains open to “fair negotiations” if Western countries show goodwill. This remark sparked debate among diplomats over whether the crisis could still be defused through talks or whether the standoff will escalate further.

The world’s attention is now fixed on the 30-day deadline, after which the sanctions will automatically take effect. While Europe frames the move as necessary to hold Iran accountable, Russia, China, and Iran view it as political pressure aimed at sabotaging the agreement. If diplomacy fails, this crisis could deepen instability in the Middle East and escalate into a major global confrontation