Living with the Snapback: What the New U.N. Measures Mean for Iran

On August 28, 2025 France, Germany and the United Kingdom triggered the snapback mechanism under U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, starting a thirty-day period that could restore pre‑2015 U.N. sanctions. After a Security Council vote on September 19 failed to preserve sanctions relief, the snapback process will cause U.N. measures to be reimposed on September 28, 2025. These measures will include an arms embargo, asset freezes, travel restrictions and limits on uranium enrichment, restoring steps that had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran’s economy has been strained for months and inflation has surged; the IMF projects inflation will reach about 43.3% in 2025 while news agencies report rates above forty percent in 2025. The national currency has weakened and some trade routes remain active, but analysts warn the revived U.N. measures will increase isolation and squeeze trade, finance and energy flows. While Iran continues limited oil shipments through alternative channels, reduced access to formal banking and shipping could add pressure on businesses and consumers.

Daily life has already been affected by repeated power cuts and long water shortages, problems that were worsened by a severe heatwave and low dam levels this summer. The IAEA has reported that inspections have been limited since June after damage to facilities and domestic measures restricting access, and that loss of continuity in verification has raised concerns. Many families are cutting spending on food and essentials as prices climb.

Diplomats say there is still scope for technical talks, but the political window is narrow; the coming weeks will test whether inspections and dialogue can be restored or whether economic isolation will deepen.