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‘Snapback’ implemented, politics in the air

Iran International and the Tehran Times reported interesting new developments and statements bearing on the ‘snapback’ sanctions, U.S.-Iran relations, and Iran’s NPT adherence. Here are highlights: UNSC sanctions are being implemented, President Trump and Iranian leadership are on different planets, and, perhaps most intriguing, the possibility of Iran withdrawing NPT ratification but not its signature.
‘Snapback’ sanctions 
        The European Council is reinstating a wide range of restrictive measures against Iran: “Today, the Council agreed to reimpose a number of restrictive measures in relation to Iran's nuclear proliferation activities, that had been suspended with the entry into force of the [JCPOA] in 2015.” The restored measures include “both those adopted by the UN Security Council since 2006 with successive UNSC resolutions and automatically transposed into EU law, and EU autonomous measures.” 
        The sanctions target individuals and entities with travel bans and asset freezes, as well as prohibitions on making funds or economic resources available to them. “In addition to the arms export ban to Iran and the ban on transfer of any items, materials, goods and technology that could contribute to Iran’s enrichment-related and reprocessing activities and ballistic missile programs, the measures also include bans on imports, purchase and transport of crude oil, natural gas, petrochemical and petroleum products and related services.” The sanctions extend to “the sale or supply of key equipment used in the energy sector, the sale or supply of gold, other precious metals and diamonds, certain naval equipment, [and] a ban on certain software.” Financial penalties include “the freezing of assets of the Central Bank of Iran and of major Iranian commercial banks.” “Measures are reinstated to prevent access to EU airports of Iranian cargo flights, and to prohibit the maintenance and service of Iranian cargo aircraft or vessels carrying prohibited materials or goods.” 
        UK, France and Germany in a joint statement urged Iran to "refrain from any escalatory actions and to resume compliance with its legally binding safeguards commitments." They also urged Iran and all other states to fully comply with UN resolutions. 
        US sanctions on a major Indian port project in Iran's Chabahar took effect on Monday. The port had previously been exempted from US sanctions to support regional development and trade routes to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan. AFP reported that under US law, companies including state-run India Ports Global Limited will have 45 days to exit Chabahar or risk having any US-based assets frozen and US transactions barred. 
U.S.- Iran 
        On Monday President Donald Trump discussed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "Iran…" Trump said he hopes Iran will join Abraham Accords "I long ago said at one point Iran would be a member of the accords. And little did I realize it was going to take this turn. It was some turn we did with the B-2s." "I think they might very well be there, it would be a great thing for them economically."
        On Monday, Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei unequivocally stated that negotiations with the United States are a "dead end" and would only bring harm to the nation. "The Americans have shown they cannot be trusted." 
        On Monday, Iran President Pezeshkian delivered his strongest public remarks accusing Western powers of hypocrisy and vowing that Iran would never accept humiliation. "They want to sanction us because we refuse to bow our heads. The dream of bringing Iran to its knees is nothing but an illusion." 
NPT 
        Iranian lawmaker, Hashem Khanafereh, said on Monday: “Withdrawing from the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) has not been ruled out and is being considered as a legal and diplomatic tool.”
        Former deputy head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Pezhman Shirmardi said on Monday withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) would not benefit Iran. “Perhaps it is better for us to maintain our commitment and goodwill today, unless the Islamic Republic’s interests dictate otherwise.” 
        Hossein Shariatmadari, a representative of Supreme Leader, wrote in Kayhan daily Monday that Iran’s parliament should withdraw ratification of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty while leaving the government’s signature intact, “With this step the Islamic Republic accepts the spirit of the treaty, meaning no nuclear weapons production, but rejects safeguard obligations and inspections.”

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