Iran Faces Snapback Sanctions Amid Nuclear Dispute and Economic Crisis

September 30th, 2025
Milie Gupta

On September 21st, 2025, the United Nations, European powers and the United States reimposed sanctions on Iran through the “snapback” mechanism of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This came after years of disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, limited cooperation with international inspectors and accusations that Tehran had enriched uranium far beyond agreed limits.

The sanctions bring back restrictions that had been previously lifted under the JCPOA. They freeze Iranian assets abroad, ban arms sales, block access to missile technology and increase financial constraints. The reimposition mirrors sanctions from 2006 to 2010, before the nuclear deal provided relief in exchange for limits on uranium enrichment.

Iran’s leadership has rejected the measures. President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed that Tehran would not leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, insisting the program remains peaceful. “Through the ‘snapback’ they block the road, but it is the brains and the thoughts that open or build the road,” he said. Yet, many analysts note Iran has reduced access for inspectors and may still hold enriched uranium stockpiles of up to 60%, which could be weaponized if pushed further.

For ordinary Iranians, the snapback has caused severe economic problems. Inflation is above 34%, greatly increasing the costs of basic food items. Rice costs nearly twice as much as last year, beans have tripled and even butter has doubled. Parents describe daily choices between essentials: “Every day I see new higher prices for cheese, milk and butter,” said one mother in Tehran. “I cannot omit them like fruits and meat from my grocery list because my kids are too young to be deprived.” The rial currency has plummeted in value, while over 1,000 executions have been recorded this year, the highest since the 1980s, reflecting political repression alongside economic despair.

Western powers argue the move is necessary. France, Germany and Britain said Iran “persisted in its attitude of refusal,” refusing transparency and declining talks with Washington. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that “a deal remains the best outcome,” but only if Tehran engages directly.

Russia and China condemned the snapback. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called it a “trap” for Iran, while both Moscow and Beijing had attempted to delay sanctions until after October, when they would have gained greater influence in the Security Council. Their opposition underscores how Iran’s nuclear standoff has become entangled in broader global rivalries.

Critics worry the lack of inspections may now increase risks. Without reliable monitoring, Washington and Israel may assume Tehran is closer to a weapon than it is, raising the chance of preemptive strikes. “That’s a very dangerous assumption,” warned Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association.

Simply put, Iran’s nuclear future is uncertain. The snapback sanctions were designed to push Tehran back into compliance, but so far they have deepened economic suffering without halting enrichment. For the Iranian people, daily life is defined by inflation and fear. For the region, the risk of miscalculation is rising. And for the world, the challenge of stopping nuclear escalation without war has only grown more acute.

Extemp Question: Will the imposition of snapback sanctions credibly weaken Iran?