Today, the E3 (Britain, France and Germany), with the support of the U.S. administration, invoked the "snapback mechanism" at the United Nations Security Council — initiating a 30-day process to restore international restrictions and sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
This is a critical step to increase pressure on the Iranian regime, especially as the snapback mechanism was set to expire in the coming weeks, based on the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA).
In a joint statement, the E3 foreign ministers said the decision follows Iran's "clear and deliberate" violations of the JCPOA, which "remains a clear threat to international peace and security."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio applauded the E3 decision:
"These European allies – the E3 – have laid out a clear case of Iran’s continuing 'significant non-performance' of its nuclear commitments, establishing a strong basis for initiating snapback. Moreover, the E3 could have initiated snapback at any point since 2019 but chose instead to first pursue intensive outreach and engagement – to provide Iran with a diplomatic offramp from its strategy of nuclear escalation.
"The United States appreciates the leadership of our E3 allies in this effort. Over the coming weeks, we will work with them and other Members of the U.N. Security Council to successfully complete the snapback of international sanctions and restrictions on Iran."
America must now ensure the 30-day process initiated by today's action is followed through to completion. We must not allow hollow gestures and threats from Iran to impede this process.
America must also continue to lead the international community in increasing the pressure on the regime to ensure its nuclear program is permanently and verifiably dismantled, its ability to enrich uranium is removed, and its ballistic missile program is destroyed.
PICTURE OF THE DAY
Rubio and Sa'ar meet in D.C.
Yesterday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in D.C. with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar "to reaffirm our two nations’ close cooperation that is vital to ensuring security and prosperity in the region," Rubio said.
UNIFIL mandate extended for last time
Today, the U.N. Security Council unanimously passed a resolution to extend the mandate of UNIFIL — the U.N. force in Lebanon — for the final time, winding down its operations by December 2026.
Israel released a statement praising the vote as the "correct decision, which will contribute to regional stability."
UNIFIL fundamentally failed its mission to disarm Hezbollah and prevent the Iranian-backed terror group from operating in southern Lebanon.
AIPAC applauds President Trump and the administration for working with Israel to bring an end to UNIFIL's mandate over the next year.
America must continue to work with the Lebanese government to ensure it completely disarms Hezbollah and prevents the terror group from threatening Israel.
MUST WATCH
IDF reveals Hamas tunnel sleeping quarters
The IDF released footage today of the sleeping quarters used by Hamas terrorists in one of their terror tunnels in the Zeitun area.
The kilometer-long tunnel was discovered during an operation led by the 7th Brigade Combat Team and subsequently demolished.
Israel targets gathering of Houthi leaders
Israel reportedly carried out its most dramatic strike yet in Yemen earlier today, aiming to wipe out the Houthi leadership.
Israeli intelligence learned at around 1 p.m. that 10 Houthi ministers, including the minister of defense, and other senior Houthi officials had gathered outside Sanaa to hear a speech by the group’s leader, Abdul Malik al-Houthi.
The IDF then launched a strike targeting the meeting, despite heavy air defenses in the area. It remains unclear if the Houthis’ chief of staff, Muhammad Al-Ghamari, was present.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement today, “Whoever raises a hand against Israel, his hand will be cut off."
Today's strike comes just hours after the IDF intercepted two Houthi drones headed toward Israeli cities.
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
