Now, with the risks to international peace and security from Iran’s nuclear program greater than ever, we were left with no choice but to initiate the snapback process.
Over the last decade we have made every effort to resolve the issue diplomatically, including many months of negotiations in 2021-2022 – twice offering Iran a generous deal, which they refused.
And for many years now, we have made it clear to Iran that we cannot allow Security Council Resolution 2231 to expire without a comprehensive deal in place – with E3 Officials meeting Iranian Deputy Foreign Ministers 5 times this year alone.
We have spoken to Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi regularly, including in Geneva this June, during the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. In July, we spoke to Minister Araghchi offering Iran a snapback extension.
The extension conditions we made were fair and realistic: resume negotiations on a comprehensive deal; comply with the IAEA, including inspections of all nuclear facilities and material, as required by Iran’s legal obligations; take steps to address the high enriched uranium stockpile.
Unfortunately, Iran has not met these conditions, and the minimal steps it took fell well short of our requirements. This brings us to the action we have taken this week.