Explainer: The E3 and Iran, snapback or sunset?

ELNET UK’s latest paper explores the post 12-day war situation, concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions. It explains the “snapback mechanism”, under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231 (2015), and how it allows automatic reimposition of UN sanctions (pre-2015 sanctions) on Iran for violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). It examines what will happen post 18 October 2025 when all the measures set out in resolution 223, pertaining to nuclear activities, expire.