Snapback Sanctions on Iran: Iran is trying to prevent snapback sanctions by offering an interim deal that secures concessions upfront from the United States and the E3 (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) but avoids any meaningful commitments on its nuclear program and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cooperation. These Iranian steps are inconsistent with the stated US position on any nuclear agreement with Iran.
Saudi-Pakistan Defense Cooperation: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact on September 17, likely in response to multiple security concerns, including Iran. Iranian media have portrayed the agreement as a response to Israel’s September 9 strikes in Doha, Qatar. Iran has repeatedly targeted regional states, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, in the past and backed numerous militia attacks targeting the Gulf states.
Iraq Energy Imports: The Iraqi federal government has reportedly suspended an agreement to import Turkmen gas due to US pressure. The deal would have enabled Iran to manage the gas flow and receive 23 percent of the gas daily. Such an arrangement would have given Tehran additional revenue and leverage over Baghdad, depending on the specific terms of the deal.
Iran Update, September 19, 2025 (Institute for the Study of War)
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