Iran Condemns Proposed UN Nuclear Sanctions Before Key Vote

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1325 EAT on Friday 19 September 2025

Tehran – Iran has sharply criticized European countries that have threatened to reimpose international sanctions over concerns about the monitoring of its nuclear programme.

In a statement on Friday, Iranian officials accused the European states of “political bias,” responding to warnings that sanctions could be revived by the end of the month unless Tehran meets specific conditions.

Tehran insisted it has put forward “fair and constructive proposals” to resolve the dispute and accused the European parties of undermining diplomatic efforts by escalating pressure at a sensitive time.

Tehran – Iran has lashed out at European powers ahead of a key United Nations Security Council (UNSC) vote on Friday, accusing them of political bias and threatening to derail diplomatic efforts over its nuclear programme.

The criticism comes as the UNSC prepares to vote on a resolution that would permanently lift UN sanctions on Iran. However, diplomats say the measure is unlikely to secure the required nine votes to pass — and even if it did, it would likely be vetoed by the United States, the United Kingdom, or France.

The UK, France, and Germany — collectively known as the E3 — initiated a 30-day process in late August to reimpose international sanctions unless Tehran complies with their demands related to nuclear monitoring and cooperation.

Iranian officials have accused the E3 of misusing the dispute resolution mechanism under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), part of the broader Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The mechanism allows for a “snapback” of sanctions if Tehran is found in non-compliance.

“What the Europeans are doing is politically biased and politically motivated,” Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Friday. “They are wrong on multiple levels by attempting to misuse the mechanism embedded in the JCPOA.”

European diplomats have reportedly offered to delay the snapback for up to six months, provided Iran restores full access for UN nuclear inspectors and agrees to re-engage in talks with the United States.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that international sanctions on Iran are likely to be reinstated, citing what European officials describe as Tehran’s failure to engage seriously in negotiations over its nuclear programme.

Macron’s comments added to growing pressure on Iran ahead of a looming deadline set by the UK, France, and Germany to trigger the “snapback” of sanctions under the 2015 nuclear agreement.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the European position, saying Tehran has submitted a “reasonable and actionable plan” to resolve the dispute. He insisted that Iran remains fully committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Under the 2015 nuclear deal — formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the agreement began to unravel in 2018 after then-U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the accord and reimposed sweeping sanctions on Tehran.

Tensions escalated dramatically earlier this summer when Israel launched a 12-day military campaign targeting Iran, with Israeli and U.S. forces reportedly striking several nuclear facilities, according to Al Jazeera.

The attacks sparked outrage in Tehran, particularly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly backed Israel’s actions, declaring: “This is dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us.” The statement drew sharp condemnation from Iranian officials, who accused Berlin of endorsing unlawful military aggression.

In the lead-up to the strikes, Iranian authorities also clashed with the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which accused Tehran of failing to meet its nuclear obligations. Iranian officials rejected the claims, calling them politically motivated and biased.

Tehran continues to deny that it is seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear activities are peaceful. Meanwhile, Israel — which has never signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) — is widely believed to possess an undeclared arsenal of dozens of nuclear warheads.

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