UN Reimposes Snapback Sanctions on Iran Amid Crisis

UN Reimposes Snapback Sanctions on Iran Amid Crisis

The United Nations has reimposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, intensifying hardship for a population already grappling with soaring food prices, widespread poverty, and growing anxiety about the future.

The measures, enforced through the “snapback” mechanism of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, freeze Iranian assets abroad, halt arms transactions, and penalize its ballistic missile program.

Iran’s economy, battered by inflation and the fallout from June’s 12-day war with Israel, faces even greater strain. The national currency, the rial, has plunged to a record low, pushing the cost of essentials such as meat and rice beyond the reach of many families.

“For as long as I can remember, we’ve struggled with economic hardship, and each year is worse than the last,” said Sina, a father of a 12-year-old, who spoke anonymously. “Our dreams are slipping away.”

Snapback sanctions cannot be vetoed by Russia or China, making them difficult for Tehran to resist. France, Germany, and the UK triggered the mechanism 30 days ago, citing Iran’s refusal to allow full access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Iran continues to enrich uranium to 60% purity—close to weapons-grade—while maintaining that its nuclear program is peaceful. The European nations said they had sought to avoid invoking snapback, but Tehran has blocked inspections and failed to account for its uranium stockpile.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the European nations for “decisive global leadership” and left the door open for diplomacy if Iran agrees to direct talks. Analysts warn the absence of inspections could raise the risk of further strikes by the US or Israel.

The June war has worsened inflation and food insecurity. Annual inflation reached 34.5% in June, with staples like rice, meat, and dairy surging dramatically. Many families struggle to afford basic nutrition.

The economic pressure, combined with fears of renewed conflict, is straining mental health. Dr Sima Ferdowsi, a clinical psychologist, said, “The psychological pressure from the war and runaway inflation has left society exhausted and unmotivated.”

Authorities have intensified crackdowns amid unrest. Human rights groups report over 1,000 executions so far in 2025, a pace unseen since 1988. Past protests over economic hardship, women’s rights, and political freedoms have met with harsh repression, and activists fear the latest sanctions could worsen the situation.