Overview

• France, Germany and the United Kingdom formally activated the JCPOA snapback, citing Iranian violations.
• The activation starts a 30-day window before automatic UN sanctions unless an agreement is reached, and the United States welcomed the step while saying it remains open to direct talks.
• Tehran condemned the decision and warned of a harsh response if sanctions are restored.
• Russia and China circulated a UN Security Council draft to delay the mechanism by six months and labeled the move illegal.
• The IAEA gained access this week only to the Bushehr power plant, with Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan still closed to inspectors.