No Agreement on Path Forward, UN Political Chief Informs Security Council

Iran has come under scrutiny for failing to provide the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with updates on its enriched uranium stockpiles, according to a recent briefing to the UN Security Council. Rosemary DiCarlo, the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, highlighted the lack of progress in negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, despite intensified diplomatic efforts. The situation has led to a division among Security Council members over the “snapback” mechanism, with many urging a return to diplomatic discussions to resolve the ongoing tensions.

Diplomatic Efforts and the Snapback Mechanism

During her address to the Security Council, DiCarlo noted that despite increased diplomatic efforts in the latter half of 2025, no consensus was reached on how to proceed with the Iran nuclear program. The “E3” nations—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—had previously informed the Council of their intention to activate the “snapback” mechanism under resolution 2231 (2015), citing Iran’s significant non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Following the Council’s failure to adopt a resolution to extend the termination of sanctions within 30 days of the E3’s notification, previously lifted UN sanctions were reinstated on September 27, 2025. This included the reactivation of the 1737 Sanctions Committee’s website and sanctions list. However, several member states contested the validity of the snapback, arguing that it was procedurally flawed.

The IAEA’s report on November 12, 2025, indicated that Iran had ceased implementing its JCPOA commitments as of February 25, 2021. While the IAEA continued some verification under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), it reported a lack of information regarding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles. The agency emphasized the need for an agreed framework to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful.

Concerns Over Uranium Stockpiles and Verification Challenges

During the Security Council debate, member states expressed disappointment over the inability to reach a negotiated agreement. Greece’s representative raised alarms about Iran’s growing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, noting that its exact location remains unknown. He stated that there is no credible civilian use for such a large quantity of highly enriched uranium. Denmark’s delegate echoed these concerns, highlighting the IAEA’s inability to provide information on the status of Iran’s enriched uranium for six months. Slovenia’s representative, who serves as the Council President for December, recalled that the JCPOA had established a robust verification regime a decade ago, but now the IAEA cannot confirm whether Iran’s nuclear material is being used solely for peaceful purposes.

The E3 nations defended their decision to reinstate sanctions, with the UK’s representative emphasizing that Iran’s limited access had hindered the IAEA’s ability to verify the location of its enriched uranium stockpile. France’s delegate warned that if this stockpile were to be enriched to military levels, it could potentially produce ten nuclear explosive devices. Germany’s representative reiterated that Iran’s non-compliance poses a serious threat to international peace and security, while also expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue.

The Impact of Sanctions on Ordinary Citizens

While some representatives focused on the nuclear issue, others highlighted the humanitarian impact of sanctions on the Iranian population. Guyana’s delegate stressed the need to ensure that sanctions do not adversely affect ordinary people and called for a clear path back to negotiations. Pakistan’s representative cautioned that coercive measures could exacerbate the existing trust deficit and hinder economic development. Sierra Leone’s delegate emphasized that diplomacy and good-faith negotiations should remain the preferred approach, advocating for caution regarding punitive measures.

The European Union’s representative, speaking as an observer, asserted that the snapback of sanctions should not mark the end of diplomatic efforts. Ensuring that Iran does not acquire or develop nuclear weapons remains a key security priority. China’s delegate pointed out that the crisis intensified after the United States withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and imposed maximum pressure on Iran, urging the E3 to avoid “microphone diplomacy.”

Calls for Continued Diplomacy and Iran’s Response

Several representatives, including those from Somalia and Panama, urged the international community to unite in preserving the non-proliferation regime and to intensify diplomatic efforts. They emphasized that multilateralism is essential for reaching a mutually agreed framework. The United States’ representative reiterated that, except for specific paragraphs, resolution 2231 (2015) remains in effect. She expressed a preference for a negotiated solution but emphasized the need to operationalize the reinstated resolutions to enhance security.

In response, Iran’s representative objected to the meeting, claiming that resolution 2231 (2015) had a termination clause that rendered it ineffective as of October 18, 2025. He accused the United States and Israel of aggression against Iran, including attacks on facilities under IAEA safeguards. He insisted that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and subject to extensive verification. The U.S. delegate countered, stating that resolution 2231 did not expire and reaffirmed the U.S. willingness to engage in direct talks with Iran, provided that Tehran is ready for meaningful dialogue.

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