UN Security Council Convenes/ Delegates Address Iran
WANA (Dec 23) – The Russian representative to the United Nations Security Council said that all provisions of Resolution 2231 have lost their legal validity on Oct. 18, 2025, marking the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The UN Security Council convened a meeting under the agenda item “Non-Proliferation” to review the implementation of Resolution 2231, adopted on July 20, 2015, which endorsed the JCPOA on Iran’s nuclear program.
The meeting was held at the request of Denmark, France, Greece, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with Panama supporting the request.
Today’s session marked the first Security Council meeting on Resolution 2231 since the European troika—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—triggered the so-called “snapback mechanism.” The three European JCPOA parties claim that by activating this mechanism, UN sanctions against Iran that had been suspended under the JCPOA have been reinstated.
Russia, China, and Iran: The European Troika’s Resort to “Snapback” Is Legally Flawed
WANA (Oct 25) – The Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Russia, China, and Iran to the United Nations Office have stated in a joint letter to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the European Troika’s invocation of the so-called “snapback” mechanism is inherently flawed, both legally and procedurally. […]
China and Russia, however, reject this move as legally invalid, stressing that all sanctions were permanently lifted on Oct. 18, concurrent with the formal expiration of the JCPOA and Resolution 2231.
Beijing, Moscow, and Tehran maintain that on that date the Security Council concluded its consideration of Iran’s nuclear file and that the issue of “non-proliferation” was removed from the Council’s agenda.
Russia: UN Resolution 2231 Fully Expired on Oct. 18
Speaking at the meeting, Russia’s representative said: “Some countries are trying to push the Security Council into a gross violation of its own procedures. Our Western colleagues are attempting to portray today’s meeting as a routine discussion on the issue of ‘non-proliferation,’ the implementation of sanctions under Resolution 2231, and the related report of the UN Secretary-General.”
He added: “Russia categorically opposes such an approach. I remind you that all provisions of Resolution 2231 expired on Oct. 18, 2025, the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the JCPOA.”
The Russian representative to the United Nations Security Council, Vassily Nebenzia. Social media/ WANA News Agency
He described efforts to restore sanctions against Iran as lacking any legal basis or legitimacy, adding: “On that day, the Security Council ceased its review of Iran’s nuclear program, and the issue of non-proliferation was removed from the Council’s agenda. This decision, which was based on the agreement, is explicitly reflected in the text of Resolution 2231.”
The Russian envoy said the convening of the meeting was a clear attempt by the European troika to revive “anti-Iranian sanctions” and the snapback mechanism, warning that such actions deepen political and procedural divisions within the Security Council.
He also criticized Slovenia, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council, saying it had failed to fulfill its responsibilities by allowing what he described as an unjustified meeting to take place.
He added, “I regret that we were unable to fulfill our commitments impartially and with courage. The European Union should not intervene in matters that do not exist.”
Ulyanov: U.S., Israel to Blame for Iran Nuclear Situation
WANA (Oct 25) – A senior Russian diplomat has said that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General will no longer issue reports on Iran’s nuclear program under the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), stressing that the current situation(regarding Iran’s nuclear program) is the result of U.S. and Israeli aggression […]
The Russian ambassador stressed, “We will not take instructions from any government or country outside the United Nations, and the settlement of Iran’s nuclear program has been clearly defined. Five rounds of negotiations were held, but Israel attacked Iranian territory, an attack that was contrary to the procedures of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”
He, noting that the IAEA has never pointed to military objectives in Iran’s nuclear program, continued: “International law is being violated.”
China Objects to Security Council Meeting and Efforts to Activate Snapback
China’s representative also objected during the meeting to the activation of the snapback mechanism by three European countries, saying: “Only three countries have activated the snapback mechanism, and this issue will expire in October.”
Expressing Beijing’s concern over the use of such tools, China’s representative voiced support for Russia’s position and said the snapback mechanism suffers from legal loopholes and that the Security Council has not reached consensus on whether the three European countries have the authority to activate it.
Araghchi: The 12-Day War Proved Who Believes in Diplomacy
WANA (Jul 26) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated today (Saturday, July 26) that the recent 12-day war clearly demonstrated who truly believes in diplomacy, and who resorts to force, bullying, and domination. “This war confirmed the legitimacy of the Iranian people and revealed the genuine face of diplomacy,” he said. In […]
He stated: “Resolution 2231 expired on Oct. 18, 2025, and the Security Council has ceased its consideration of Iran’s nuclear program. However, some countries are imposing their will by raising issues that have already been concluded. By doing so, they are questioning the authority of the Security Council, weakening its unity, and expanding divisions.”
He added that China calls on Security Council members to genuinely acknowledge the end of Resolution 2231, uphold the Council’s credibility and authority, and create the necessary political conditions for resolving Iran’s nuclear issue.
China: Iran’s Rights Must Be Respected
In another part of his remarks, the Chinese diplomat said the goal of Security Council resolutions has been to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, but the United States unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and, together with Israel, attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Emphasizing that Iran has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, he asked: “Who should respond to actions that endanger peace and stability in the Middle East?”
Three Scenarios for Breaking the Deadlock in Iran–U.S. Negotiations
WANA (Aug 23) – Iran–U.S. nuclear talks have once again entered a complicated phase—one that, according to experts, has become even more difficult to resolve following recent regional developments and the 12 day conflict between Iran and Israel. In this context, the roles of Europe, the United States, and global powers such as China and […]
He said China actively supports the resumption of nuclear negotiations, stressing that Iran’s positive efforts should be appreciated and that the rights of all NPT member states must be fully respected.
The Chinese diplomat emphasized that countries should refrain from escalating sanctions and stop abusing the Security Council.
China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN said Israeli and US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities have complicated the nuclear issue and pushed it into a deadlock. Referring to European actions against Iran, he said that at the same time, the European troika’s submission of sanction proposals to the Security Council has paved the way for the return of sanctions and the escalation of international tensions.
He stressed that the current situation, which is far removed from the goals of peace and regional stability, threatens Middle East security, adding that lifting unilateral US sanctions, demonstrating political goodwill, and resuming negotiations are essential to break the deadlock.
Iran Condemns Trump’s Admission of U.S. Role in Israeli Aggression
WANA (Nov 08) – Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has condemned US President Donald Trump’s recent admission regarding the United States’ involvement in the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran. In his letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the UN Security Council Michael […]
China’s representative said European countries are expected to fulfill their commitments instead of adopting non-constructive approaches and to act based on justice and fairness.
He reiterated that Iran has repeatedly emphasized the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities and that nuclear weapons have no place in its doctrine, calling on all parties to replace confrontation with diplomacy.
Pakistan Stresses Revival of JCPOA
Pakistan’s deputy representative also emphasized the revival of the JCPOA, saying all issues related to Iran’s nuclear program must be resolved through dialogue and that coercive measures only deepen the trust deficit between the parties.
Noting that sanctions primarily harm ordinary people, he said trust has been severely damaged in recent months and must be rebuilt.
Iran and Pakistan Flags. Social Media / WANA News Agency
Pakistan’s representative stressed that all adventurist actions must be avoided and that Iran’s nuclear program can only be resolved through dialogue and a political solution.
UK Rejects Russia, China Arguments
The UK representative at the UN Security Council rejected the arguments put forward by Russia and China and claimed the meeting was fully in line with the Council’s procedures and objectives.
He said the UK, together with France and Germany, had activated the snapback mechanism in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2231, citing what he described as Iran’s “significant non-compliance” with its JCPOA commitments.
The British diplomat claimed that, as Russia and China are aware, the snapback mechanism was completed on Dec. 20, 2025, and therefore Resolution 2231 remains in force and on the Security Council’s agenda.
Grossi: IAEA Has Not Yet Visited Iran’s Damaged Nuclear Facilities
WANA (Dec 02) – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has announced that, despite recent negotiations, the agency’s inspectors have still not been granted access to three damaged Iranian nuclear sites that were targeted in the June 22 attacks. According to media reports, Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday in an […]
He added that six UN Security Council resolutions and related sanctions were reactivated following the snapback and that Iran and all UN member states are required to comply with them.
He alleged that Iran has restricted the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) access for six months, despite the Agency stating there are no technical obstacles, and claimed there is no civilian justification for Iran’s more than 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent.
France Repeats Claims on Iran’s Nuclear Program
France’s representative defended the actions of the three European countries, claiming that the snapback mechanism was triggered around three months ago and that sanctions were subsequently reimposed due to what he described as Iran’s repeated and ongoing violations of JCPOA commitments.
Despite the expiration of Resolution 2231, he argued that the process remains ongoing and would only be considered concluded once Iran’s nuclear issue is resolved. He claimed that Resolution 2231 only expires when credible guarantees regarding the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program are secured, adding that France supports the continuation of Security Council meetings on the issue.
The French envoy claimed that Iran’s failure to implement its international nuclear obligations poses a serious threat to international peace and security.
He also said that no member of the Security Council had formally objected to the Secretary-General’s report on Resolution 2231 (2015), welcoming this as confirmation that Iran’s non-compliance with its nuclear obligations represents a serious threat to global peace and security.
The French representative alleged that the IAEA has lacked access to Iran’s most sensitive nuclear sites for six months and has “no way” to verify the status of 450 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent. He claimed that if enriched to weapons-grade levels, the stockpile would be sufficient to produce fuel for 10 nuclear bombs, adding that Iran is the only country enriching uranium to such a level.
Denmark Aligns With European Positions
Denmark’s representative echoed the positions of other European countries, saying Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium exceeds that of any non-nuclear-weapon state.
Grossi: Most of Iran’s Uranium Stockpiles Remain Inside the Country
WANA (Dec 22) – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Monday that, in the agency’s assessment, most of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles have remained inside the country. “Rafael Grossi,” the IAEA chief, stated on Monday that the bulk of Iran’s enriched uranium is still located within Iran. […]
Repeating US claims, he said Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, voiced concern over reduced cooperation with the IAEA, and argued that there is no civilian justification for the accumulation of highly enriched uranium.
US Calls for Focus on Non-Proliferation
The US representative said the Security Council remains committed to non-proliferation, particularly with regard to Iran, and must continue to focus on the issue.
He claimed that, as reflected in the Secretary-General’s report on Resolution 2231 (2015), with the exception of paragraphs 7, 8, and 16–20, the resolution and its related operational provisions remain in effect.
The US envoy also claimed that under the snapback process, the Council has decided to reapply Resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008), and 1929 (2010).
Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Steve Witkoff, the head of the U.S. negotiation team. Social media/ WANA News Agency
He added that these texts are limited and cannot adequately address what he described as a nuclear program operating outside the view of the international community.
Germany Urges UN to Appoint 1737 Sanctions Committee Chair
Germany’s representative at the United Nations Security Council emphasized today, in line with other Western countries, that “the Security Council must reach an agreement on the Chair of the 1737 Sanctions Committee” so that the expert panel can begin work as soon as possible.
The German diplomat claimed, “Their independent assessments are vital for transparency and effective monitoring.”
The diplomat asserted, “The Security Council resolutions that have been re-established are a tool to encourage constructive engagement. It is in all our interests that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.”
Negotiation and Agreement on Iran Nuclear Program
At the start of the session, Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, said that a negotiated solution and agreement that ensures both the objectives of a peaceful Iranian nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions is the best available option for the international community.
The Deputy Secretary-General noted that despite significant differences among relevant parties regarding the path forward on Resolution 2231 (2015) and the JCPOA, all parties continue to emphasize the importance of a diplomatic solution and have expressed their overall readiness to engage with one another toward that goal.
