UN Reimposes Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Programme

The United Nations has reinstated sanctions on Iran, including an arms embargo, after European powers accused Tehran of breaching the 2015 nuclear agreement. The move, led by Britain, France and Germany, comes despite Iran’s warnings of a strong response. Tehran continues to deny it is seeking nuclear weapons.

European Powers Push for Sanctions

Britain, France and Germany triggered the sanctions return at the UN Security Council. The 2015 deal had aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear arms, but Western powers argue Tehran has violated its commitments. Russia, however, has rejected the move, calling it unlawful and warning the UN against recognising it.

The sanctions, first introduced between 2006 and 2010, came back into effect at midnight GMT on Sunday. Attempts to delay them failed during last week’s UN General Assembly meetings. In a joint statement, the three European nations urged Iran and all countries to comply with the resolutions. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed the bloc would implement both UN and EU sanctions without delay.

Israel and US Welcome the Move

Israel welcomed the decision, describing it as a major step against Iran. Its foreign ministry stressed that the global goal must remain preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

The United States also voiced support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump was open to diplomacy but insisted that sanctions must stay in place until Iran engages in direct talks and restores compliance.

Iran’s Harsh Response

Tehran reacted strongly, recalling its ambassadors to Britain, France and Germany for consultations. President Masoud Pezeshkian maintained, however, that Iran would not leave the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran’s economy continues to struggle under heavy US sanctions that have been in place since 2018. The country’s currency, the rial, dropped further after the UN decision, falling to a record low of 1,123,000 against the US dollar.

Scope of the Sanctions

The renewed UN measures include an arms embargo, a ban on uranium enrichment, restrictions on missile activities, and limits on nuclear-related commercial deals. Travel bans and asset freezes also apply to dozens of Iranian individuals and entities. All nations are authorised to seize prohibited items linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.

European powers have left the door open for diplomacy. They signalled they would have delayed sanctions for six months if Iran restored access to UN nuclear inspectors, reduced its uranium stockpile, and engaged in talks with Washington. Their joint statement emphasised that sanctions do not close the path to negotiation.

with inputs from Reuters