Share and Follow


Widespread UN sanctions against Iran returned into force for the first time in a decade, after last-ditch nuclear talks failed to produce a breakthrough.
The measures, which bar dealings linked to the Islamic republic’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, took effect on Sunday AEST after Western nations triggered the so-called “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 nuclear accord.
“The reactivation of annulled resolutions is legally baseless and unjustifiable… all countries must refrain from recognising this illegal situation,” the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will firmly defend its national rights and interests, and any action aimed at undermining the rights and interests of its people will face a firm and appropriate response,” it added.
The British, French and German foreign ministers said in a joint statement they would continue to seek “a new diplomatic solution to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon”.
They also called on Tehran “to refrain from any escalatory action”.
Iran had allowed UN inspectors to return to its nuclear sites, but President Masoud Pezeshkian said the United States had offered only a short reprieve in return for handing over its whole stockpile of enriched uranium, a proposal he described as unacceptable.

What do the sanctions target?

The sanctions target companies, organisations and individuals that contribute directly or indirectly to Iran’s nuclear program or the development of its ballistic missiles.

Providing necessary equipment, expertise, or funding are all grounds for sanctions.

Swath of the economy affected

The sanctions include an embargo on conventional weapons with the prohibition of any sale or transfer of arms to Iran.
Imports, exports or transfers of parts and technologies related to the nuclear and ballistic program will be prohibited.

The assets of entities and individuals abroad belonging to Iranian persons or groups linked to the nuclear program will be frozen.

Individuals designated as participating in prohibited nuclear activities may be banned from traveling to UN member states.
UN member states will be required to restrict access to banking and financial facilities that could help Iran’s nuclear or ballistic programs.

Anyone violating the sanctions regime could see their assets frozen worldwide.

The EU had its own sanctions

Separate measures by the European Union could now be reimposed alongside the core, global sanctions.

Their goal was to hit the Iranian economy, not only to hamper nuclear activity but also to inflict fiscal pain to force Tehran to comply.

Western nations fear Iran will acquire nuclear weapons. Tehran vehemently denies seeking such weapons while defending its right to develop a nuclear program for civilian purposes.

The United States already imposes its own sanctions, including ones to prohibit other countries from buying Iranian oil, after President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear deal in his first term.

How does ‘snapback’ take effect?

The “snapback” process reactivates UN resolutions, but their practical implementation requires UN member states to update their laws to comply.

It will be up to the EU and Britain to pass legislation so that the sanctions can be enforced, but neither has given details on that process.

How are sanctions enforced?

The UN Security Council resolutions and the associated sanctions are binding — but are regularly violated.
The big question is whether countries like China and Russia, which consider the triggering of the “snapback” illegal, might decide not to comply.
Russia made clear it would not enforce the sanctions, considering them invalid.

The sanctions “finally exposed the West’s policy of sabotaging the pursuit of constructive solutions in the UN Security Council, as well as its desire to extract unilateral concessions from Tehran through blackmail and pressure,” Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Some countries, including China, continued to trade with Iran despite the presence of US sanctions.
The European powers are unclear about how China, which imports a significant amount of oil from Iran, might react.
“There is a cost to circumventing sanctions, a political cost, but also a financial and economic cost because financial transactions become more expensive,” said Clement Therme, an associate researcher at the International Institute for Iranian Studies linked to Sorbonne University.
Shipping companies are one example of businesses that will feel the pinch.
“In the case of UN sanctions, we probably won’t see a full blockade, but rising costs instead,” Therme added.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Worried About AI Taking Over Your Job? Here Are Careers That Might Be Safe in the Future

Nearly every job in Australia will be transformed by technological change, with…

Hamas Loses Track of Two Israeli Hostages Amidst Gaza Conflict

Hamas’s armed wing has urged the Israeli military to temporarily halt air…
UN imposes 'snapback' sanctions on a hungrier, poorer and more anxious Iran

UN Reinstates Sanctions on Iran Amid Increasing Hunger, Poverty, and Anxiety

The United Nations reimposed sanctions on Iran early on Sunday over its…
Clive Palmer, Trumpet of Patriots chairman and party spokesperon, ahead of an address to the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on Thursday 13 March 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

Clive Palmer Takes Legal Battle with Australian Government to Swiss Supreme Court

Mining tycoon Clive Palmer is escalating his case against the Australian government…

How to Befriend Australia’s Most Controversial Bird

Spring in Australia brings warmer weather, longer days, and zip ties. That…
Paul Smith pilot Moruya plane crash

Eight Skydivers Jump Safely Before Plane Crash Claims Pilot’s Life

The Australian Parachute Federation (APF) has confirmed eight skydivers had successfully landed…
The sparse indictment of Comey by Trump's department belies a complicated backstory

Trump’s Department’s Limited Indictment of Comey Hints at a Complex History

The indictment of former FBI Director James Comey is only two pages…
WA Man arrested Police

Man Detained Following Intense Police Chase at Southern Perth Shopping Center

A 30-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences after leading police…