Iran Recalls Ambassadors from Germany, France, UK Amid UN Sanctions Snapback

Iran has recalled its ambassadors to Germany, France, and the United Kingdom for consultations following the reimposition of United Nations sanctions, state media reported on Saturday. The move comes after a Russian and Chinese-backed resolution at the UN Security Council to delay the sanctions failed, with only four countries supporting the draft.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian clarified that Tehran has no intention of leaving the Non-Proliferation Treaty and denied any pursuit of nuclear weapons. “Iran will never seek nuclear weapons… We are fully prepared to be transparent about our highly enriched uranium,” he said.

The snapback of UN sanctions was triggered by the E3 countries—Britain, France, and Germany—who accused Iran of violating the 2015 nuclear deal. The sanctions, which come into effect immediately, will restore a global arms embargo, restrictions on uranium enrichment and reprocessing, bans on ballistic missile activity, travel restrictions, asset freezes, and measures affecting Iran’s energy sector. European Union sanctions are set to follow next week.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the sanctions “legally void, politically reckless, and procedurally flawed,” adding that diplomacy will now be “more difficult and more complicated.” Despite the reinstatement of sanctions, the United States and European powers have kept the door open for renewed diplomatic engagement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the UN General Assembly, urged the international community to remain vigilant against Iran’s nuclear and military ambitions, highlighting the risks posed by Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium and nuclear infrastructure.

The sanctions snapback marks a critical moment in the ongoing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, further straining diplomatic relations with Western nations while highlighting Tehran’s continued defiance of international pressure.