Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned the decision by France, Germany, and the UK on Thursday to trigger the UN Security Council’s “snapback” mechanism, aimed at reimposing sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program.

According to the Press TV report of the phone call, Araghchi called the move “unjustified, illegal, and lacking any legal basis” and stressed that Iran will respond appropriately to protect its national rights and interests.

The snapback process, a veto-proof measure embedded in the 2015 nuclear deal, was initiated despite Tehran’s continued commitment to diplomacy and transparency, said Araghchi.

“Iran has acted responsibly and in good faith in adhering to diplomacy for resolving nuclear-related issues,” Araghchi said, stressing that Iran’s stance remains firm in defending its legal rights under international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will respond appropriately to this unlawful and unwarranted measure by the three European countries to protect its national rights and interests,” Araghchi said.

The three European powers, in coordination with the EU’s foreign policy chief, formally notified Iran by phone on Thursday of their intention to inform the UN Security Council to begin the “dispute resolution” process under the JCPOA framework.

This move sets a 30-day countdown aimed at potentially reimposing UN sanctions on Tehran, suspended since the 2015 accord.

Araghchi expressed hope that the European countries would reconsider and reverse their decision.

“We hope the three European countries will, by adopting a responsible approach and understanding existing realities, properly correct their wrong move in the coming days.”

The “snapback” mechanism, designed during negotiations for the JCPOA, allows any participant to declare non-compliance by Iran and automatically restore UN sanctions without the possibility of a Security Council veto.

The reimposition of sanctions would include freezing Iranian assets abroad, banning arms sales, and targeting Iran’s ballistic missile program,

Iran has consistently rejected renewed sanctions, insisting its nuclear program is peaceful and compliant with international obligations.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that if the snapback proceeds, Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA would end.

“If they opt for snapback, it makes no sense for Iran to continue working with them,” he said.