Iran’s diplomacy suffered another setback on Saturday, when France, Germany and the UK triggered the snapback mechanism over Tehran’s “significant non-performance” under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
The move reinstates all pre-2015 UN sanctions, freezing assets, imposing travel bans, permitting inspections of Iranian air and sea cargo, including oil tankers, while prohibiting uranium enrichment, missile launches with nuclear potential, technology transfers, and reimposing an arms embargo. Yet the key question remains: will these measures inflict enough economic pain to alter Iran’s strategic calculus?
The real constraint on Iran’s economy does not emanate from New York but from Washington. Since the Donald Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign of 2018, American sanctions have been enforced with extraterritorial reach. European and Asian banks, shipping companies, insurers and energy firms have avoided Iranian business not out of fear of UN resolutions, but because of the consequences of falling afoul of the US treasury department. The dollar’s dominance in global finance, combined with Washington’s willingness to punish violators, has created a chilling effect far more potent than anything the Security Council could achieve.
The Islamic Republic already operates under near-total financial isolation
Thus, while “snapback” sanctions generate symbolic headlines, their material effect is marginal. The Islamic Republic already operates under near-total financial isolation. Its access to global capital markets is negligible. Oil exports are restricted to a handful of buyers, mostly through covert channels. Reactivation of UN sanctions will not close avenues of commerce that US measures long ago shut.
A second factor limiting the efficacy of “snapback” sanctions is the stance of key global players. China and Russia have disregarded US restrictions when it suited their national interests, building mechanisms such as barter, local currencies and shell companies to shield trade with Iran from American scrutiny.
While these arrangements do not normalise Iran’s commerce, they provide enough oxygen to prevent collapse. More importantly, Beijing and Moscow now treat Iran less as a pariah and more as a junior partner in a wider Eurasian order. Their joint declaration with Tehran under the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation categorically rejecting the European initiative was not mere rhetoric but a strategic signal to Washington that the West can no longer dictate terms unilaterally.
Apart from strategic signalling, the Iran–China relationship is probably also propelled by the economic interests of Chinese energy companies. Because Iranian oil carries substantial legal and political risk, it is marketed at steep discounts compared to global prices. Chinese refiners, operating with tacit state approval, keep the margin and, in doing so, have evolved into an influential lobbying constituency within China. Their vested interest in maintaining access to inexpensive Iranian crude not only sustains commercial ties but also reinforces Beijing’s broader willingness to shield Tehran from western pressure.
It is also worth noting that US policymakers, for all their proclamations, have often tolerated Chinese and Russian circumvention. Washington knows that full enforcement could worsen relations with Beijing. The US therefore pressures Tehran enough to weaken the Iranian government, but refrains from pushing China or Russia into open confrontation. The result is a sanctions order riddled with loopholes, which Tehran has learned to exploit.
This asymmetry highlights Tehran’s paradox. The country proclaims independence from western domination, yet its survival hinges on dependence upon Beijing. China continues to buy Iranian oil less out of solidarity and more because it secures a low-priced supply. The moment costs outweigh benefits, Beijing is likely to scale back. Until then, Iran remains a convenient junior partner whose desperation allows Chinese actors to dictate terms.
For Iran’s neighbours, the limited effect of “snapback” sanctions is a mixed blessing. Gulf Arab states recognise that Iran’s lifeline through China and Russia reduces the risk of Iranian government collapse and the chaos it would unleash. But continued Iranian resilience, and the constant threat of renewed Israeli strikes against an economically battered, diplomatically isolated and militarily vulnerable Iran, also raises risks. Facing existential threats, Tehran could lash out at regional oil infrastructure to compel exporters and importers to pressure Israel to stop striking Iran, or, if technically feasible, dash for a nuclear weapon.
Domestically, the leadership has long managed scarcity, but inequality now fuels public anger. On Sunday, Donya-e Eqtesad, Iran’s premier economic daily, reported 45.3 per cent inflation, the highest in 28 months, and a doubling of bread prices over the past year, warning of growing pressure on low-income groups. Meanwhile, the country’s elites flaunt their privileges on social media, enraging the 30 per cent of the population living under the poverty line. US sanctions, far more than UN measures, combined with corruption and mismanagement, increasingly risk provoking bread riots. And government officials, better prepared to suppress the poor at home than to deter Israel abroad, may respond with repression.
Western policymakers should therefore temper expectations. The “snapback” mechanism was conceived in an era when multilateral consensus on Iran was still possible. That era has ended. The global order is increasingly fragmented, with China and Russia openly contesting western initiatives.
Honeymoonish
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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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Brief scores:
Toss: South Africa, chose to field
Pakistan: 177 & 294
South Africa: 431 & 43-1
Man of the Match: Faf du Plessis (South Africa)
Series: South Africa lead three-match series 2-0
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group F
Manchester City v Hoffenheim, midnight (Wednesday, UAE)
CRICKET%20WORLD%20CUP%20QUALIFIER%2C%20ZIMBABWE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EUAE%20fixtures%20%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMonday%2C%20June%2019%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ESri%20Lanka%20v%20UAE%2C%20Queen%E2%80%99s%20Sports%20Club%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWednesday%2C%20June%2021%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EOman%20v%20UAE%2C%20Bulawayo%20Athletic%20Club%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFriday%2C%20June%2023%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EScotland%20v%20UAE%2C%20Bulawayo%20Athletic%20Club%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ETuesday%2C%20June%2027%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIreland%20v%20UAE%2C%20Bulawayo%20Athletic%20Club%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Film: In Syria
Dir: Philippe Van Leeuw
Starring: Hiam Abbass, Diamand Bo Abboud, Mohsen Abbas and Juliette Navis
Verdict: Four stars
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo
Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua
Based: Dubai, UAE
Number of employees: 28
Sector: Financial services
Investment: $9.5m
Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,600hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.4seconds
0-200kph in 5.8 seconds
0-300kph in 12.1 seconds
Top speed: 440kph
Price: Dh13,200,000
Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,500hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.3 seconds
0-200kph in 5.5 seconds
0-300kph in 11.8 seconds
Top speed: 350kph
Price: Dh13,600,000
States of Passion by Nihad Sirees,
Pushkin Press
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The biog
Fast facts on Neil Armstrong’s personal life:
- Armstrong was born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio
- He earned his private pilot’s license when he was 16 – he could fly before he could drive
- There was tragedy in his married life: Neil and Janet Armstrong’s daughter Karen died at the age of two in 1962 after suffering a brain tumour. She was the couple’s only daughter. Their two sons, Rick and Mark, consulted on the film
- After Armstrong departed Nasa, he bought a farm in the town of Lebanon, Ohio, in 1971 – its airstrip allowed him to tap back into his love of flying
- In 1994, Janet divorced Neil after 38 years of marriage. Two years earlier, Neil met Carol Knight, who became his second wife in 1994
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