UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — A nation determined to endure and overcome

Q1. With reference to recent developments concerning Iran's nuclear programme, consider the following statements: 1. The JCPOA snapback mechanism was invoked in August 2025 jointly by France, Germany and the United Kingdom (the E3). 2. Whereas UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015) was adopted unanimously, Resolution 2817 (2026) was adopted with two abstentions from permanent members. 3. The completion of the snapback in September 2025 reinstated only the arms-embargo provisions of one earlier UN Security Council resolution on Iran. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The JCPOA snapback mechanism was invoked in August 2025 jointly by France, Germany and the United Kingdom (the E3).
  2. Whereas UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015) was adopted unanimously, Resolution 2817 (2026) was adopted with two abstentions from permanent members.
  3. The completion of the snapback in September 2025 reinstated only the arms-embargo provisions of one earlier UN Security Council resolution on Iran.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. In the context of UN Security Council action on Iran's nuclear programme, the term "snapback mechanism" refers to:

  • A. An IAEA Additional Protocol clause that automatically suspends safeguards inspections at any site where undeclared nuclear material is detected.
  • B. A provision endorsed under UNSC Resolution 2231 (2015) by which any JCPOA participant may, upon notifying significant non-performance, cause the automatic reimposition of previously terminated UN sanctions on Iran absent a Council decision to continue sanctions relief.
  • C. A US Treasury OFAC procedure for re-listing Iranian entities under secondary sanctions after their delisting under a presidential waiver.
  • D. A WTO Dispute Settlement Body clause permitting the reversal of trade concessions granted to states under nuclear-related export-control regimes.

Q3. Which one of the following groups of states constitutes the "E3" that jointly invoked the JCPOA snapback mechanism against Iran in August 2025?

  • A. France, Germany and Italy
  • B. France, Germany and the United Kingdom
  • C. the United Kingdom, the United States and France
  • D. Germany, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom

Q4. How many earlier UN Security Council sanctions resolutions on Iran were reinstated upon completion of the JCPOA snapback mechanism on 27 September 2025?

  • A. Four
  • B. Five
  • C. Six
  • D. Seven

Q5. The "snapback" provision permitting any JCPOA participant to trigger the reimposition of previously terminated UN sanctions on Iran is embedded in which one of the following UN Security Council resolutions?

  • A. Resolution 1737 (2006)
  • B. Resolution 1929 (2010)
  • C. Resolution 2231 (2015)
  • D. Resolution 2817 (2026)