Switzerland maintains sanctions against Iran and increased German border controls have consequences for Switzerland

Switzerland maintains its current sanctions against Iran. The reason is that the country is not adhering to the nuclear deal that was adopted eight years ago.

The Federal Council decided this on Wednesday. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was adopted eight years ago. Restrictions on nuclear weapons delivery systems and financial sanctions imposed by a 2015 UN Security Council resolution were due to expire automatically on Wednesday.

Prevent the construction of nuclear weapons

The nuclear deal known as JCPOA, which Iran signed with several states in 2015, was intended to limit the country’s nuclear program and prevent the construction of nuclear weapons. In return, many sanctions were lifted. However, some UN sanctions have a later expiry date: October 18, 2023.

The EU has now decided to maintain the sanctions still in force against Iran. The Federal Council also decided to maintain the existing legal framework. The reason was the further development of Iran’s ballistic and nuclear programs and reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as he wrote.

In violation of the agreements, Iran produces uranium with purity levels close to weapons grade and hinders the monitoring of its facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Tehran responded to the US withdrawal from the nuclear pact under then-President Donald Trump.

Regular instructions

Switzerland has regularly called on Iran to fully implement its obligations under the JCPOA again, the Federal Council writes. She has also repeatedly expressed concerns about the US withdrawing from the agreement and reimposing sanctions.

Trade and services related to delivery systems and military equipment, as well as trade in nuclear goods, continue to be affected by sanctions against Iran. Financial sanctions also continue to apply to a smaller number of people and companies.

(yam/sda/dpa)