Examining its activation process and its link to the conditioning of Iran’s economy and politics toward the West within the JCPOA framework
Abstract
The snapback mechanism is one of the key challenges in the JCPOA negotiations, as it can lead to the reinstatement of all previous UN sanctions against Iran. This mechanism provides a critical opportunity for JCPOA parties to pursue legal measures in the event of disputes. As the deadline approaches, political and diplomatic discussions between Iran, European countries, and the United States have intensified. In this context, concerns over the consequences of triggering the snapback mechanism and its impacts on Iran’s economy and politics highlight the importance of a thorough examination of this process and its ramifications.
Definition of the Snapback Mechanism
The JCPOA snapback mechanism allows UN sanctions on Iran to be reinstated if members allege non-compliance. Western influence makes it a risk for Iran, with possible activation by Europeans leading to severe economic and political consequences.
Conditional Structures in the JCPOA
The JCPOA includes conditional structures tying Iran’s economy and politics to Western decisions. U.S. secondary banking sanctions, due to dollar dependence, limited Iran’s financial interactions. Sanctions were reversible, allowing the U.S. to reimpose them after withdrawing. The CAATSA law introduced new sanctions, increasing economic and political pressure on Iran.
The Relationship Between the Snapback Mechanism and Iran’s Economic Conditional Structures
The snapback mechanism legally ends the JCPOA and reinstates UN sanctions on Iran. Since U.S. secondary sanctions already limit Iran’s economy, activating snapback has limited new economic impact but revives strict UN resolutions on nuclear, missile, arms trade, and related sanctions.
Comparison of UN Security Council Sanctions and U.S. Sanctions
U.S. sanctions on Iran are broader, more strictly enforced, and more effective than UN Security Council sanctions due to U.S. economic influence and penalties. UN sanctions are limited and rely on international law, while U.S. sanctions cause companies and banks to avoid Iran to reduce risk.
Iran and Smart Countermeasures Against the Snapback Mechanism
Snapback’s economic impact is limited; Western demands are political pressure. Iran should avoid concessions and manage the psychological effects.
This study was conducted at International and Strategic Analysis (ISA) Center by Seyyed Hamed Torabi in 2025.
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