WANA (Apr 30) – Iran’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York stated that France’s threat to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism, despite its own failure to fulfill its obligations, contradicts fundamental principles of international law.

 

Amir Saeid Iravani, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, addressed a letter to the Security Council in response to the remarks made by Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s Minister for European and Foreign Affairs. In an informal UN Security Council meeting, Barrot had made politically motivated and baseless allegations regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program—including the unfounded claim that “Iran is on the verge of developing nuclear weapons.” Iravani described such accusations as either the result of a fundamental misunderstanding or a deliberate distortion of Iran’s legal rights under international law. He added that these statements reflect a selective reading of facts and form part of a broader pattern of double standards by a country that, as a permanent member of the Security Council, bears special responsibility.

 

The full text of Iravan’s letter is as follows:

 

In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

 

Excellency,

Upon instructions from my Government, I am writing to you regarding the statement delivered by H.E. Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, at the Stakeout following the United Nations Security Council’s private meeting on 28 April 2025. During his remarks, the French Foreign Minister made unsubstantiated and politically motivated claims regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, including the baseless assertion that “Iran is on the cusp of developing nuclear weapons.” Such an allegation reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding or deliberate distortion of Iran’s legal rights under international law. It also demonstrates a selective reading of facts and exemplifies a persistent pattern of double standards by a State that bears particular responsibility as a permanent member of the Security Council. In this regard, I wish to bring the following points to your attention, and the attention of the Members of the Security Council:

 

1. Allegations that Iran is “on the cusp” of developing nuclear weapons are entirely unfounded and politically irresponsible. The Islamic Republic of Iran has never pursued nuclear weapons, and its defensive doctrine has not been changed. Iran unequivocally rejects all weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including nuclear arms. As a founding member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran remains fully committed to its obligations under the treaty. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to monitor and verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Its reports have consistently confirmed that there has been no diversion of nuclear material for non-peaceful purposes.

 

2. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a landmark multilateral achievement, unanimously endorsed by the Security Council through Resolution 2231 (2015). Its disruption was caused not by Iran but rather the consequence of the United States’ reckless and unlawful withdrawal, coupled with the E3’s failure to deliver the promised economic benefits. In response, Iran showed strategic patience for over a year before gradually reducing and stopping its commitments, strictly in accordance with Articles 26 and 36 of the JCPOA. These measures were transparent and fully proportionate.

 

3. The French Foreign Minister’s open threat to reimpose sanctions with “devastating effects” on Iran’s economy constitutes a blatant act of political and economic coercion. Resorting to threats and economic blackmail is entirely unacceptable and represents a clear breach of the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. Additionally, France’s threat to trigger the so-called snapback mechanism despite its own non-performance contradicts the fundamental principles of international law that preclude a party from claiming rights under an agreement while simultaneously failing to fulfil its obligations thereunder. Such an action is legally and procedurally flawed, inadmissible, and invalid, and would undermine the credibility of the Security Council.

 

4. While voicing concern over the risks of nuclear proliferation in relation to Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, France’s credibility on non-proliferation is fundamentally undermined by its own record. It continues to modernize and expand its nuclear arsenal, refuses to extend unconditional negative security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon states, remains silent, and is complicit in the Israeli regime’s undeclared nuclear weapons program. France has also yet to fulfill its disarmament obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

 

5. The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates its commitment to diplomacy and constructive engagement. However, genuine diplomacy cannot proceed under threats or pressure. If France and its partners are truly interested in a diplomatic resolution, they must abandon coercion and respect the sovereign rights of States under international law.

 

I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.