TEHRAN — Iran on Sunday strongly rejected any attempt by the UK, Germany, and France to reimpose sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, insisting the three countries lack any legal, political, or moral authority to do so.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X: “It is not just that the E3 has no legal, political, or moral entitlement to invoke ‘snapback,’ and that even if they did, ‘use or lose it’ doesn’t work. It’s that the correct expression for the E3’s dilemma is ‘use it and lose it.’ Or better yet, ‘use it and lose it all.’”

The three European powers said last month they had triggered the “snapback” mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which would restore sanctions in 30 days if Iran fails to comply with its obligations.

The 2015 nuclear deal granted Iran sanctions relief in exchange for limits on its nuclear program, but the US withdrew during Donald Trump’s first term as president.

Iran suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency after US and Israeli attacks in June targeted military, nuclear, and civilian sites in Tehran.

The strikes killed senior military commanders and nuclear scientists, prompting Iranian missile and drone retaliation before a US-brokered ceasefire ended the 12-day conflict on June 24.

Western countries continue to push for Iran to return to negotiations on its nuclear program and allow international inspections. — Agencies