FM Confirms No Legal Steps Taken to Revive Expired Resolutions

The recent communication from Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has sparked significant discussion regarding the legality and implications of claims made by the United States and its allies. This article delves into the core points of Araghchi’s letter, which asserts that the allegations concerning the restoration of United Nations Security Council resolutions are entirely unfounded and lack a legal basis.

On 28 September 2025, Araghchi addressed foreign ministers from various nations with a letter highlighting the urgency of the situation concerning the international legal order and the authority of the United Nations. The letter emphasizes the following key points:

• Unfounded Claims: The assertions made by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany regarding the “restoration” of previously terminated resolutions under Security Council resolution 2231 (2015) are described as entirely baseless and unlawful.
• Integrity of Resolution 2231: The resolution, which was adopted unanimously, established a balanced framework endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and terminated previous sanctions related to the Iranian nuclear program.
• Time-Bound Framework: According to Araghchi, all nuclear-related restrictions are set to permanently expire on 18 October 2025.
• No Unilateral Authority: The resolution does not grant any state the right to unilaterally alter or extend its provisions.

Araghchi stresses that any attempt to reinterpret or manipulate the provisions of resolution 2231 is contrary to the binding nature of Security Council decisions. He argues that the so-called snapback procedure invoked by the aforementioned states is legally void for several reasons:

1. Withdrawal from the JCPOA: The United States unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018, rendering it ineligible to invoke resolution 2231.
2. Non-Performance of Commitments: The E3 (the UK, France, and Germany) has not fulfilled its commitments under the JCPOA, further weakening their position.
3. Inconsistent Draft Resolution: A draft resolution presented to the Security Council on 19 September 2025 was deemed inconsistent with resolution 2231, thus failing to restore any sanctions.

Due to these reasons, Araghchi asserts that no valid legal action has taken place to restore the terminated resolutions. He views claims to the contrary as attempts to mislead the international community and impose unilateral agendas disguised as United Nations authority. He stresses that:

• Efforts by the E3 and the United States to revive terminated resolutions infringe upon international law.
• Such actions undermine the authority of the Security Council and create a false narrative that its decisions can be overridden by a minority of states.
• These actions threaten the global nuclear non-proliferation regime by politicizing it against sovereign states.

Moreover, Araghchi warns against pressuring the UN Secretariat to act beyond its mandate, particularly under Article 100 of the UN Charter, as this could compromise the Secretariat’s neutrality and impartiality.

The letter unequivocally states that the Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects any claims of reinstating terminated resolutions. Araghchi emphasizes that neither Iran nor any UN member state is legally bound to adhere to these unlawful assertions. He maintains that:

• All restrictions outlined in resolution 2231 will permanently expire on 18 October 2025.
• Any attempts to extend or revive these restrictions beyond this date will lack legal standing and recognition from Iran and other peace-loving nations.

Iran has consistently expressed its willingness for diplomacy and constructive engagement. However, the past years have shown that certain states prefer confrontation over dialogue. Araghchi reiterates Iran’s commitment to defending its sovereign rights and legitimate interests while remaining open to genuine negotiations on equal terms.

In conclusion, Araghchi urges the international community, particularly the recipients of his letter, to:

• Reject any assertions regarding the restoration of terminated Security Council resolutions under resolution 2231.
• Avoid incorporating such unlawful measures into domestic laws, administrative practices, or foreign policies.
• Encourage all member states to uphold multilateralism and resist attempts to manipulate international institutions for narrow political ends.

Araghchi’s letter serves as a critical reminder of the current state of international law and the potential consequences if unlawful claims are allowed to prevail. He appeals to the leadership of recipient nations to ensure that the integrity of the Security Council and the United Nations is preserved.

By shedding light on these issues, Araghchi aims to foster a more robust and principled approach to international diplomacy, urging all nations to adhere to the principles of international law and multilateral cooperation.