Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized the necessity of a diplomatic solution to address the ongoing nuclear crisis in Iran. He declared that the “Cairo Agreement” is obsolete due to recent geopolitical shifts, particularly following the reactivation of the “snapback” mechanism intended to reimpose sanctions.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Araqchi, during a meeting with ambassadors and representatives from foreign missions in Tehran, stated that the gathering aimed to update diplomats on the developments from the New York negotiations and clarify Iran’s stance on the snapback mechanism and the sanctions imposed. He highlighted the ineffectiveness of military threats and sanctions in resolving the crisis, pointing out the failed attempts by the European Troika-France, Britain, and Germany-to leverage the snapback mechanism.

Araqchi criticized the weakened negotiating power of the European countries and suggested that their diminished influence limits their role in any potential future resolution. He asserted that negotiations are still a feasible option, provided there is genuine intent and mutual interest. He also mentioned that Iran did not encounter any formal conditions during the talks, which were solely focused on the nuclear issue, and reiterated that Iran had put forward clear proposals conducive to a negotiated resolution.

In a significant development, Araqchi announced the redundancy of the “Cairo Agreement,” which formerly functioned as a cooperative framework with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He stressed that the activation of the trigger mechanism has altered all previous dynamics. Iran has formulated a new cooperative approach with the IAEA to navigate the new phase dictated by Western escalations and ongoing sanctions.

Tensions between Iran and Western nations have escalated since the United States’ withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018 and subsequent efforts to reapply sanctions using the snapback mechanism. This mechanism allows any party to the nuclear deal to reinstate UN sanctions if it believes Tehran has violated its commitments. Iran remains committed to safeguarding its peaceful nuclear program through diplomatic channels while rejecting Western pressures as breaches of international accords.