WANA (Dec 18) – The periodic meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss Resolution 2231 and review the 18th report of Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, on the implementation of this resolution and Iran’s nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, was held at the organization’s headquarters.

 

During the meeting, Ms. Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, presented the Secretary-General’s report. Additionally, the facilitator’s report on the JCPOA was submitted, and Security Council members shared their perspectives.

International Reactions to Iran’s Nuclear Program

The US representative, expressing concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities, including 60% enrichment levels, emphasized diplomacy as the best solution and stated: “A nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable, and Washington will use all its capabilities to prevent this.”

 

The UK representative remarked that Iran’s nuclear program is now more advanced than ever and highlighted: “The IAEA cannot verify that Iran’s intentions are peaceful.”

 

France also claimed that Iran has acquired enough material to produce four nuclear bombs, labeling these actions as violations of JCPOA commitments and a threat to global peace.

 

Supportive Approaches Toward Iran

In contrast, the Russian representative, supporting Iran, blamed the US withdrawal from the JCPOA as the primary cause of the current situation, asserting: “All of Iran’s nuclear activities are under the supervision of the IAEA, and accusations against Iran are unrealistic.”

 

The EU representative also criticized the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and the imposition of new sanctions on Iran as exacerbating the situation.

 

Iran’s Response to Allegations

Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s representative to the United Nations, responding to Western claims, stated: “The accusations against Iran are a misinterpretation of the JCPOA. Iran’s nuclear program has always been peaceful, and Tehran remains committed to its obligations.”

 

He further emphasized that Iran’s actions were within the JCPOA framework, adding: “Iran has always believed in diplomacy and considers dialogue—not threats—the path to resolving disputes.”

 

Calls for Continued Diplomacy

The representative of Malta, the facilitator for the Iran nuclear agreement, urged all parties to continue negotiations and preserve the JCPOA as a vital tool for preventing nuclear proliferation.

 

This session once again underscored the deep divisions among Security Council members regarding Iran’s nuclear program. While Iran rejected the allegations and reiterated its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the IAEA, Western countries remained insistent on maintaining pressure. Meanwhile, the UN continues to advocate diplomacy and negotiations as the primary approach to preserving the JCPOA.