Resolution at the United Nations aimed at halting additional sanctions on Iran due to their nuclear program does not receive enough support to pass
In a significant turn of events, the United Nations has reimposed a series of sanctions on Iran following the reactivation of the "snapback mechanism" by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom last month. The sanctions, which were initially lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), include a conventional arms embargo, restrictions on ballistic missile development, asset freezes, travel bans, and a ban on producing nuclear-related technology.
The decision, which was met with opposition from several countries, has been criticised by Iranian officials. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that the reimposition of UN sanctions lacks any legal or logical justification. The Iranian Ambassador, Amir-Saeid Iravani, expressed gratitude towards the four countries that voted in favour of lifting the sanctions.
The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has warned that the window for finding a diplomatic solution on Iran's nuclear issue is closing rapidly. The European Union has urged Iran to take the necessary steps to prevent the reimposition of UN sanctions. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom remains committed to a diplomatic solution and is ready for further engagements to seek a resolution of differences.
Intensified diplomacy between Iran and European countries has taken place over the last several weeks, but without a resolution so far, there were indications that sanctions were likely. The conflict between Iran and Israel, which lasted for 12 days, has already occurred. It is worth noting that the agreement all but collapsed after President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from it in 2018.
The Security Council's failure to halt the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program on Friday was a significant blow to diplomatic efforts. China's envoy, Fu Cong, stated that the council's action on this issue ended eight years of diplomacy with a "definitive" end. Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vassily Alekseevich Nebenzia, criticised European leaders for using the council as a tool for pressure on Iran.
However, the process is designed to be veto-proof, but the UK indicated that the failed vote does not close the door for future efforts to halt the sanctions. Germany's Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, called on Iran for new negotiations after triggering the snapback mechanism for sanctions on August 28, 2025, and emphasised Germany's readiness for diplomatic dialogue with Tehran.
In a positive development, Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog had previously reached a deal mediated by Egypt to grant the IAEA access to all Iranian nuclear sites and for Tehran to report on the whereabouts of all its nuclear material. It is hoped that this agreement will pave the way for future diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing tensions.
The IAEA has reported that Iran increased its stockpile of uranium enriched nearly to weapons-grade levels before the Israeli strikes. It is crucial for Iran to demonstrate full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and allow inspections of all nuclear sites without delay, according to EU leaders.
The resolution to stop the sanctions was put forward by South Korea, but did not receive the necessary support from nine countries. The reimposition of UN sanctions marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the international community, and it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming months.
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