Tehran: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that a prior agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) made in Cairo is now considered void following the reinstatement of snapback sanctions by Western nations. Araghchi emphasized that the sanctions have complicated diplomatic efforts.

According to Anadolu Agency, Araghchi criticized the decision of the UK, France, and Germany to activate the snapback mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which led to the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran for the first time in a decade. These sanctions were initially lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. Araghchi contended that the snapback mechanism has not been effective and only served to complicate diplomatic negotiations.

Araghchi reiterated the importance of resolving Iran's nuclear issue through diplomacy, dismissing military threats as ineffective. He stated that continued negotiations remain possible if opposing parties act in good faith and consider mutual interests, despite recent challenges presented by developments at the UN Security Council.

The Cairo agreement, signed last month between Iran and the IAEA, aimed to renew cooperation after Iran had previously suspended it, citing bias from the agency. However, Araghchi now asserts that the agreement is void given the new sanctions environment.

The Iranian minister highlighted Iran's efforts to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear program through diplomacy and cooperation, arguing that Western countries no longer have a justification to hinder dialogue with Iran.

Tensions have escalated recently following a surprise attack by Israel on Tehran targeting various sites and personnel, which led to retaliatory strikes by Iran and subsequent US military actions. The conflict ceased with a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24.