DUBAI, Sept 21 – In a bold declaration of resilience, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to defy international pressure following a move by the UN Security Council to revive sanctions under the controversial “snapback” mechanism. Despite the mounting diplomatic strain, Pezeshkian expressed unwavering determination to protect Iran’s sovereignty and rebuild what has been lost.
“Through the ‘snapback’ they block the road, but it is the brains and the thoughts that open or build the road,” he said in a nationally televised address.
Referring to recent attacks on the Natanz and Fordow nuclear facilities—allegedly targeted by the US and Israel—Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s strength lies not in its infrastructure, but in its people.
“They cannot stop us. They can strike our Natanz or Fordow, but they are unaware that it is humans who built and will rebuild Natanz,” he said defiantly.
The move to reimpose sanctions comes after Britain, France, and Germany activated a 30-day snapback process, accusing Tehran of breaching the terms of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was designed to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran has consistently denied intentions of developing nuclear weapons.
Pezeshkian remained firm in his stance, stating:
“We will never surrender in the face of excessive demands because we have the power to change the situation.”
The sanctions—if reinstated—would include severe restrictions: a renewed arms embargo, prohibitions on uranium enrichment and ballistic missile activity, travel bans, and a global freeze on Iranian assets.
In a potentially high-stakes move, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council warned that if sanctions are reinstated, Iran would effectively suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This could significantly limit international oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Although earlier in the month, Iran and the IAEA had signaled progress with an agreement to resume inspections—including sites previously bombed—details of that agreement remain unclear.
