UNITED NATIONS | September 27, 2025
United Nations sanctions lifted under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal are set to be reimposed today after the Security Council rejected a last-minute bid by Russia and China to delay the move.
Britain, France and Germany triggered the 30-day “snapback” process on August 28, citing repeated Iranian violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Under the mechanism established by Security Council Resolution 2231, the sanctions automatically return unless blocked by a new Council resolution, which failed to pass on Friday.
The restored measures cover restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, as well as arms transfers, and will formally take effect at 0000 GMT on Saturday.
Diplomats say the decision could escalate tensions both within the Council and across the Middle East, where Iran has vowed retaliation.
Tehran has warned that Western nations will bear responsibility for any fallout.
Iranian officials have also signaled the possibility of suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, raising concerns over future monitoring of the country’s nuclear activities.
While the United States, Britain, France and Germany welcomed the snapback as a necessary step to uphold non-proliferation commitments, Russia and China condemned the move as destabilizing and legally flawed.
The divide underscores growing rifts within the Security Council over enforcement of the nuclear accord.
