Despite a recent confirmation from a United Nations watchdog that inspections of its nuclear facilities have restarted, Iran is poised to face a severe re-imposition of sanctions over its controversial atomic program.
A joint attempt by Russia and China to postpone these punitive actions against Tehran was unsuccessful, with Moscow even hinting at a potential refusal to uphold the sanctions — despite its international obligations.
The move to reinstate economic sanctions was initiated by European nations following Iran’s response to the bombing of its nuclear sites by Israel and the United States in June. These European powers had insisted that Iran reverse certain actions.
Crucially, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, verified that inspections at Iranian nuclear facilities recommenced this week. This marks the end of a hiatus that began after the strikes by Washington and Israel.
For Britain, France, and Germany, the restart of IAEA inspections was a crucial requirement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi stated, “I signed an agreement with the agency in Cairo, and the director general of the agency is quite satisfied and happy.”
However, Aragchi firmly declared that any attempt to reimpose sanctions would be “legally void” and pledged that Iran would never “bow to pressure” regarding its nuclear ambitions, though he indicated a willingness for further discussions.
In a related development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed that Tehran would not withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, even if sanctions were reimposed.
A joint proposal by China and Russia to allow more time for diplomatic efforts was ultimately rejected, with nine nations voting against it and four in favor.
Britain’s UN Ambassador, Barbara Woodward, confirmed that “UN sanctions, targeting Iranian proliferation, will be reimposed this weekend.”
Woodward added, “We stand ready to continue discussions with Iran on a diplomatic solution to address international concerns about its nuclear program. In turn, this could allow for the lifting of sanctions in the future.”
These UN sanctions, which significantly impact Iran’s banking and oil sectors, are scheduled to automatically come into effect by the end of Saturday.
During Friday’s Security Council session, China and Russia advocated for a resolution that would have postponed the talks until April 18, 2026.
Before the vote, the Russian deputy ambassador to the UN criticized the Western powers, stating, “We had hoped that us, that European colleagues in the US, would think twice, and that they would opt for the path of diplomacy and dialog, instead of their clumsy blackmail.”
He further questioned, “Did Washington, London, Paris, Berlin make any compromises? No, they did not.”
Iran’s Claims of ‘Workable Solutions’
France’s Ambassador to the UN, Jerome Bonnafort, assured the council that “all sides had been trying to find, until the very last moment, a solution.”
Representing France, Germany, and Britain, France emphasized to Iran the necessity of granting full access to UN nuclear inspectors, promptly restarting nuclear negotiations, and providing clear information regarding its highly enriched uranium, which has fueled much speculation.
However, Mr. Aragchi countered that European nations and the U.S. “have consistently misrepresented Iran’s peaceful nuclear program,” asserting that Tehran had already presented “several workable” proposals.
He described the European countries’ push for “snapback” sanctions as “legally void, politically reckless, and procedurally flawed.”
The foundational 2015 agreement, established during the Obama administration, had previously lifted sanctions in exchange for Iran significantly reducing its contentious nuclear activities.
During his initial term, former U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from this agreement, reinstating extensive American sanctions and urging European allies to follow suit.
Steve Witkoff, a former roving envoy for Mr. Trump who had been involved in negotiations with Iran prior to the Israeli attack, commented on Wednesday that Iran finds itself in a “tough position,” yet expressed optimism for a potential resolution.
Nevertheless, Iran’s President was highly critical of Washington’s diplomatic overtures, asserting that Witkoff and his team lacked serious intent.
President Pezeshkian told reporters at the UN General Assembly that “We came to understandings a number of times but they were never taken seriously by the Americans.”
Iran consistently maintains that it does not aim to develop nuclear weapons, citing a religious edict from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This stance is supported by U.S. intelligence assessments, which have not concluded that Iran has made a decision to pursue nuclear armament.