The UK, France, and Germany have decided to maintain sanctions on Iran in an effort to dissuade Tehran from selling drones and missiles to Russia.
Iran had agreed to a nuclear deal in 2015, and some sanctions were scheduled to be lifted next month. However, the European nations believe Iran violated the deal by enriching and storing uranium.
Iran counters that this move is “illegal and provocative” and “clearly violated” the deal’s terms. The European powers, collectively known as E3, aim to incorporate expiring UN sanctions into their own laws.
These sanctions target nuclear proliferation-related measures, as well as arms and missile embargoes. Despite these sanctions, Russia has utilized many drones produced in Iran in its war against Ukraine.
In a separate move, the UK has imposed sanctions on officials responsible for Iran’s mandatory hijab legislation ahead of the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death. Her death after being arrested for allegedly breaking hijab rules sparked protests.
Iran entered into the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with several world powers, known as the P5+1, eight years ago.
Under the 2015 accord, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities and allow international inspectors in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.
The JCPOA prohibits the purchase, sale, or transfer of drones and missiles to and from Iran. The agreement envisioned a “transition day” when remaining sanctions on Iran related to ballistic missiles and nuclear activities would be lifted.
Russia and China will no longer be bound by these restrictions if they do not adopt sanctions similar to those of the UK, France, and Germany before October 18.
The E3 stated that the sanctions would persist until Iran fully complies with the JCPOA. Iran argued that the decision violated the E3’s obligations under the JCPOA and UN Security Council Resolution 2231.