UNSC Missed Key Chance for Productive Dialogue and Global Consensus
In a recent statement at the United Nations Security Council, Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran’s ambassador and permanent representative, expressed strong discontent over the failure to pass a proposed resolution aimed at continuing the lifting of sanctions against Iran. This setback was attributed to the pressures exerted by the United States and European nations. Iravani emphasized that the Council missed a crucial opportunity for dialogue and consensus, highlighting the balanced initiative brought forth by Russia and China to extend Resolution 2231 and maintain diplomatic efforts.
The following is the full text of Iravani’s significant address at the UN:
Statement by H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani
Ambassador and Permanent Representative
of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
Before the United Nations Security Council
On “Implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015)”
New York, 19 September 2025
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
Mr. President,
To begin, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Council members, including Algeria, China, Pakistan, and the Russian Federation, for rejecting the politics of coercion and standing firm on the principles of diplomacy, justice, and law. Their votes today reflect a genuine commitment to diplomatic solutions. The message is clear: conflicts should be resolved through dialogue, not through pressure and intimidation tactics. These nations have chosen to align themselves with the rightful side of history.
Mr. President,
Iran’s stance is unequivocal and consistent: Resolution 2231 must be executed exactly as originally agreed. Its timelines are binding commitments, meticulously negotiated and unanimously supported by this Council. Any attempt by the E3 to reinstate sanctions that have already been lifted is not only unfounded but also a direct violation of international law and a challenge to the credibility of the Security Council.
Resolution 2231 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) represent significant diplomatic achievements after extensive negotiations lasting over a decade. These agreements addressed all concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program, affirming its peaceful nature. Iran has adhered to the terms of the deal in good faith, demonstrating unprecedented transparency and compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Unfortunately, it is the United States and the E3/EU that have failed to uphold their commitments.
It was the United States that unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018, reinstating sanctions in blatant disregard of this Council. The E3, instead of fulfilling their obligations, have resorted to empty promises while following the directives of Washington. In a striking contradiction, they now seek to punish Iran for actions taken only after years of their own violations.
Mr. President,
We firmly reject the E3’s notification dated 28 August 2025. This notification is procedurally flawed, politically motivated, and legally void. By circumventing the JCPOA’s Dispute Resolution Mechanism, the E3 have fundamentally undermined the very framework they claim to uphold. It is hypocritical for parties in breach of their commitments to suddenly position themselves as guardians of compliance. This is not a matter of legality; it is a case of opportunism disguised as legality.
Iran’s remedial measures were neither reckless nor unilateral. They were meticulously calibrated, transparent, and fully aligned with our rights under the JCPOA. To twist these lawful actions into a justification for snapback sanctions rewards the violators while punishing the compliant—a gross distortion of justice that undermines the Council’s integrity.
Mr. President,
This situation is compounded by evident aggression; Iran’s safeguarded nuclear facilities have faced attacks—openly conducted by Israel and supported by the United States—in violation of international law and the non-proliferation regime. Instead of issuing condemnations, we see silence and, alarmingly, justifications from the very states that now lecture Iran on its obligations. This exemplifies the double standards and hypocrisy prevalent in international relations.
Despite these challenges, Iran remains committed to diplomacy. On 9 September in Cairo, we reached an understanding with the IAEA to enhance cooperation—a significant step forward. However, rather than acknowledging this opportunity, the U.S. and E3 dismissed it, revealing a stark dissonance between their rhetoric and their true intentions. They profess support for diplomacy while simultaneously undermining it with threats.
This reckless approach not only undermines dialogue but also sets a precarious precedent. The E3 and the U.S., in collusion with Israel, are propagating unfounded claims that Iran’s nuclear program poses a threat to peace and security. Such assertions are baseless; Iran has consistently adhered to the JCPOA, the NPT, and its Safeguards obligations. Our nuclear endeavors remain entirely peaceful.
Mr. President,
Even the impartiality of this Council has been compromised. Under pressure from certain permanent members, the presidency has disregarded the necessity of considering the views of all participants—including Iran, Russia, and China—prior to presenting today’s draft resolution. This requirement is explicitly stated in Paragraph 11 of Resolution 2231, yet it has been ignored. This action does not reflect consensus-building; it is coercion.
In conclusion, Mr. President, I want to reiterate Iran’s firm position:
- Today’s actions are hasty, unnecessary, and unlawful.
- Iran acknowledges no obligation to comply with these measures.
- The responsibility for any grave consequences rests solely with the United States and the E3, who have fabricated allegations against Iran while enabling Israel’s illegal attacks on safeguarded facilities.
- This decision, lacking consensus, weakens the Council and jeopardizes the non-proliferation regime.
Iran’s nuclear program will not be destroyed by bombs, halted by sanctions, or diverted from its peaceful trajectory. The door to diplomacy remains open, but it is Iran—not its adversaries—that will decide the terms of engagement.
Mr. President,
Today, the Council has squandered a vital opportunity for meaningful dialogue and consensus. Instead of embracing a reasonable path, the United States and the E3 have chosen escalation, pressure, and division, revealing their true intentions of fostering conflict rather than diplomacy. They must now accept full responsibility for the crisis they have created.
Let it be clear: Iran will steadfastly defend its sovereignty, its rights, and the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. We will not succumb to coercion or be intimidated by unlawful threats. Moreover, we will not allow this Council to be manipulated as a tool of injustice.
Thank you, Mr. President.