U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) has joined Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch (R-ID) and 47 other senators in supporting the decision by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to initiate snapback sanctions on Iran. The group sent a letter to Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs; Johann Wadephul, German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Yvette Cooper, British Secretary of State, commending their action and urging further pressure for the permanent dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program.
Snapback sanctions are measures that reinstate previously lifted restrictions when an agreement is violated. The senators argue that Iran has not negotiated in good faith and continues destabilizing activities, making increased international pressure necessary.
“While we back diplomatic efforts to restore Iran’s compliance with its International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) commitments, the international community should not allow hollow gestures and cynical threats from Tehran to stop the snapback process. The regime has abused diplomatic processes for years to avoid penalties. Sanctions relief should only be negotiated after snapback is fully implemented. The regime must fully and verifiably dismantle its nuclear program, restore full IAEA access, terminate its support for international terror proxies, and end its ballistic missile program – at a minimum,” the lawmakers wrote.
They continued: “In light of the soon-returning international sanctions, we need joint interdiction efforts to prevent Iranian proliferation and acquisition of military, missile, and nuclear goods, technologies, and components. In line with returning UN obligations, we hope you will help us fully shutter Iran’s banking sector abroad, including by closing all branches in Europe.”
The letter also expresses concern about how Iran funds its programs through oil sales—particularly to China—and smuggling via third countries. It acknowledges cooperation from European governments in addressing these issues.
Additional signatories include Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Tim Scott (R-SC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Barrasso (R-WY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R-FL), John Curtis (R-UT), John Cornyn (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Susan Collins (R-ME), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy M.D. (R-LA); James Lankford (R-OK); Mike Rounds (R-SD); Thom Tillis (R-NC); Joni Ernst (R-IA); Dan Sullivan (R-AK); Todd Young (R-IN); John Kennedy (R-LA); Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS); Marsha Blackburn (R-TN); Kevin Cramer (R-ND); Josh Hawley (R-MO); Cynthia Lummis (R-WY); Roger Marshall M.D. (R-KS); Markwayne Mullin (R-OK); Ted Budd (R-NC); Eric Schmitt (R-MO); Katie Britt (R-AL); Jim Banks (R-IN); Bernie Moreno (R-OH); Tim Sheehy (R-MT); Jim Justice (WV-Governor-elect or Senator? Unclear contextually here but included as signatory per release text above.), Jon Husted (OH Lieutenant Governor?) and Ashley Moody (FL Attorney General?).
The full text of the letter emphasizes that once snapback is completed there should be coordinated efforts among UN member states to ensure renewed obligations are met and Iran is held accountable. The senators also highlight concerns over Iranian support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“We write to applaud the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for initiating the snapback process to return international sanctions on Iran at the United Nations Security Council. This action was necessary in light of the Iranian regime’s persistent acts of nuclear extortion. We commend your leadership and support the successful reimposition of international sanctions and restrictions targeting the Iranian arms industry, its nuclear and missile programs, and its terror and proliferation activities.”
“Iran’s provocative nuclear threats, its reckless attacks with ballistic missile[s], and its wanton aggression through support for terrorism threaten the entire international community. Once snapback is completed, we look forward to working with you to ensure all UN members states [sic] and private actors abide by their renewed obligations and hold Iran accountable.”
“We understand your governments’ hope that diplomacy would eventually succeed in ending Iran’s nuclear program but after decades of the regime’s intransigence…we will count on your governments to lead…the enforcement of sanctions against Iran—whether at the European Union…in your respective capitals or foreign capitals.”
“In light of soon-returning international sanctions…we need joint interdiction efforts…to prevent Iranian proliferation…and acquisition…of military missile…and nuclear goods…technologies…and components…help us fully shutter Iran’s banking sector abroad including by closing all branches in Europe…”
“Thank you again for your leadership at this pivotal moment…”
