Tensions Rise as Iran, Russia, and China Challenge EU Move at UN Over JCPOA

Wednesday, September 03, 2025  Read time1 min

SAEDNEWS: Iran, Russia, and China formally rejected the EU’s attempt to reactivate UN sanctions against Tehran, urging diplomacy and adherence to the JCPOA framework. The UN Secretary-General emphasized using this moment to strengthen dialogue.

Tensions Rise as Iran, Russia, and China Challenge EU Move at UN Over JCPOA

According to Saed News, quoting IRNA, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations, stated on Tuesday local time in response to a question from an IRNA reporter: Iran, Russia, and China sent a letter to the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General, asserting that the European countries’ attempt to trigger the “snapback” mechanism violates the provisions and procedures outlined in the JCPOA and Security Council Resolution 2231, and does not complete the dispute resolution mechanisms in the JCPOA. They demanded that this action be nullified and rendered ineffective.

Dujarric said: “This is a matter for the Security Council to decide.” He added: “As you know, the United Nations is not a party to the JCPOA, but the Secretary-General’s message is that Iran and the JCPOA members should use this opportunity to strengthen diplomacy.”

Meanwhile, Sang Jin Kim, South Korea’s Ambassador to the UN and President of the Security Council, stated: “There are different views and interpretations regarding Resolution 2231. We have held informal discussions with Security Council members, and my understanding is that there is significant divergence even on interpretations of Resolution 2231.”

He added: “At this moment, I cannot predict what will happen. Our goal is to consult transparently, honestly, and closely with the relevant parties.”

The three European JCPOA members—UK, France, and Germany—who have so far not fully implemented their commitments under the nuclear deal with Iran, officially sent a notification on Thursday morning, August 28, 2025 (6 Shahrivar 1404) to the UN Security Council activating the snapback mechanism to reinstate anti-Iranian sanctions. They stated that they are prepared to negotiate with Iran on the nuclear deal within 30 days, which could halt the sanctions reinstatement process.

Immediately, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi sent a letter to the Security Council and the UN Secretary-General regarding the European troika’s misinterpretation of the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism and related matters in Resolution 2231, calling on all Security Council members to reject these political maneuvers and uphold the integrity of international law and the Council’s authority.

Foreign ministers of Iran, China, and Russia sent a joint letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council President, rejecting the EU’s effort to reactivate previously rescinded UN resolutions against Iran. They emphasized that the notification sent by the European countries to the Security Council violates the procedures in the JCPOA and Resolution 2231, lacks legal basis, and must be considered null and void.