WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), today sent a bipartisan letter to the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3), encouraging the countries to initiate snapback sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2231. This action by the United States E3 partners would reimpose sanctions on the Iranian regime that were removed under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The letter is among the first and most high-profile bipartisan efforts calling for snapback sanctions on Iran.
Additional co-signers of the letter include Reps. Brian Babin (R-TX), Don Bacon (R-NE), James Baird (R-IN), Cliff Bentz (R-OR), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Ben Cline (R-VA), Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Jennifer González-Colón (R-PO), Thomas Kean (R-NJ), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY), Michael Lawler (R-NY), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Max Miller (R-OH), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Alexander Mooney (R-WV), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Burgess Owens (R-UT), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), George Santos (R-NY), Christopher Smith (R-NJ), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), Daniel Webster (R-FL), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Steve Womack (R-AR), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), and Ryan Zinke (R-MT).
In 2015, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2231, which provides a framework for lifting UN sanctions on Iran, subject to compliance with the JCPOA. This resolution also includes a provision for the reimposition of all pre-JCPOA sanctions on Iran, known as “snapback sanctions,” if significant noncompliance with the JCPOA is identified by any party state.
By any plain text reading of the JCPOA, Iran is failing to comply with the JCPOA, which necessitates the reinstatement of sanctions. Reimposing snapback sanctions would impose further restrictions on funding that Iran utilizes for its nuclear program, support of terrorism, and the oppression of its people. Further, if snapback sanctions are not activated by October 18, 2023, the UN’s prohibition on Iranian transfers of long-range drones and ballistic missile systems will expire, along with asset freezes and visa bans on numerous Iranian entities and individuals involved in the country’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program is a threat to Israel and jeopardizes regional stability and global security,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “It is indisputable that Iran is in violation of the JCPOA, which is why our European allies must initiate snapback now to reimpose previously lifted sanctions. Snapback will send a clear message to Iran that its nuclear extortion has severe consequences and that the expansion of its nuclear program will not be tolerated. The time for bold and decisive action is now.”
“We cannot forget where the money ends up when sanctions are lifted on Iran — the world’s leading state sponsor of terror. Iran’s nuclear program and terrorist activities continue to threaten the security and stability of our key ally Israel, the region, and the entire world,” said Congressman Gottheimer. “The Iranian regime actively finances a robust worldwide network of terrorist proxies in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the United States. Iran has even armed Russia with scores of long-range suicide drones. Time is running out to curb Iran’s nuclear and other nefarious ambitions, and the E3 must consider initiating snapback sanctions.“
The Tenney-Gottheimer letter has received widespread support from a range of stakeholders, including FDD Action, JINSA, and United Against Nuclear Iran Action.
“Now is the time for America’s European partners to back Ukraine and expand Middle Eastern security by taking stronger steps to disrupt Iran’s deadly drone and ballistic missile transfers to Russia. Snapping back sanctions on Iran at the United Nations is the best way to hold Iran accountable for its nuclear advances and illegal weapons proliferation. JINSA applauds Representatives Tenney and Gottheimer as they work to advance America’s security,” said JINSA President and CEO Michael Makovsky.
“It is time for the E3 to invoke the snapback sanctions mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Iran remains in significant non-performance of its JCPOA obligations and there are rapidly expiring sunset provisions which would automatically be reinstated under snapback. It is necessary to keep these restrictions on the books as Western powers are depending upon them to hold the Islamic Republic accountable for its supply of lethal drones to Russia for use against Ukraine. We applaud Members of Congress who signed this letter for signaling to our European allies that it is time for a new Iran strategy. That begins with invoking the snapback mechanism,” said United Against Nuclear Iran Action.
“Under both Democratic and Republican administrations, and on the watch of governments across Europe, Iran has sought to build a nuclear program that undoubtedly is not for peaceful purposes. It has done so in violation of its nuclear commitments. It has done so in plain sight, brazenly and boldly, daring its partners to act. Rather than acquiescing to extortion as Tehran demands the release of more than $7 billion in frozen assets and other non-reversible concessions, the snapback mechanism should be initiated immediately. Neither the US nor Europe should agree to the blackmail Iran has put on the table, which will only result in encouraging Iran to demand more while it builds a full-fledged military-capable nuclear program,” said FDD Action.
View the full text of the letter here.
