The United Nations is poised to reimpose extensive economic and military sanctions on Iran, nearly a decade after they were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). This decision follows a complaint from the UK, France, and Germany to the UN Security Council, accusing Iran of not meeting its commitments. A mechanism initiated by this complaint allows Iran a 30-day window to negotiate a resolution before sanctions take effect at 00:00 GMT on Sunday.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the impending sanctions as “unfair, unjust, and illegal.” A proposal led by China and Russia to delay sanctions for six months garnered only four votes in the 15-member council. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2016, Iran has accelerated its nuclear activities and restricted access to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors.

Despite accusations of seeking nuclear weapons, Pezeshkian maintained Iran’s commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and emphasized the need for security assurances against attacks from Israel. The sanctions are anticipated to include an arms embargo, restrictions on uranium enrichment, and asset freezes on Iranian entities. Concurrently, the IAEA has resumed inspections of Iranian nuclear sites amidst ongoing negotiations with Iran to find a path forward.



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