SAEDNEWS: Joint Letter from Permanent Representatives of Iran, Russia, and China to the UN Office in Vienna Highlighted as a Key Diplomatic Initiative by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi
According to the political desk of Saed News, a recent joint letter, based on the official expiration of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 on October 8, 2025 (26 Mehr 1404), explicitly declares that the IAEA’s reporting mission regarding verification and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear program under this resolution has fully concluded. This action not only strengthens Iran’s legal standing in international forums but also serves as a robust shield against ongoing unilateral U.S. pressures aimed at isolating Iran economically and politically. The letter symbolizes strategic alignment between Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing, offering a model for resistance against Western hegemony.
The letter refers to a previous correspondence by the foreign ministers of the three countries, outlining their unified stance against recent actions by the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The document emphasizes that the European trio’s attempt to activate the “snapback” mechanism lacks legal and procedural legitimacy. The three countries argue that these European powers violated their obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Resolution 2231 and failed to follow the designated dispute resolution processes. Therefore, with the conclusion of all provisions of Resolution 2231, there is no legal basis for continued extrajudicial oversight.
Additionally, the letter references the IAEA Board of Governors’ 2015 resolution approving the implementation of the JCPOA, which remains valid. Paragraph 14 of this resolution clearly stipulates that the Board will address related issues for ten years from the JCPOA’s adoption or until the IAEA Director-General reaches a comprehensive conclusion on Iran’s nuclear program, whichever comes first. With the ten-year period now elapsed, the matter is automatically removed from the Board’s agenda, requiring no further action. In its closing section, the letter underscores the necessity of commitment from all parties to pursue political solutions through diplomatic dialogue and mutual respect, refraining from unilateral sanctions, threats, or any actions that could escalate tensions. It invites all countries to participate in creating a conducive environment for diplomatic efforts. By requesting formal distribution among all member states of the Agency, the letter demonstrates a coordinated and decisive approach that could serve as a foundation for future negotiations. It not only marks the end of a period of imposed oversight but also asserts Iran’s right to pursue a peaceful nuclear program without foreign interference.
Legally, the conclusion of Resolution 2231 signifies the complete exit of Iran’s nuclear dossier from the UN Security Council. This removes previous restrictions on Iran’s nuclear, missile, and military activities and allows greater freedom for scientific and technological progress, including unhindered international cooperation in nuclear energy. The letter also opens the door for legal challenges against unilateral sanctions, emphasizing the absence of any legal basis for continued extrajudicial monitoring. Politically, it highlights the strategic alliance between Iran, Russia, and China. As permanent Security Council members with veto power, Russia and China can use this position to prevent new resolutions against Iran. This convergence, grounded in shared economic and security interests, can serve as a powerful bloc against Western policies. For Iran, the letter provides an opportunity to base its diplomacy on multilateralism and reduce dependence on direct negotiations with the West.
In recent years, particularly since its withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, the United States has pursued a “maximum pressure” policy against Iran, involving extensive economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation efforts, and even military threats. In 2025, the U.S. attempted, with European support, to activate the snapback mechanism and reinstate UN sanctions, alongside new sanctions targeting Chinese companies purchasing Iranian oil to cut Iran’s financial resources. These pressures, designed to force Iran into new negotiations and limit its nuclear program, are now directly challenged by the joint letter from Iran, Russia, and China. By formally ending the IAEA’s reporting mission, the letter disrupts U.S. efforts and reduces the platform for politically motivated reports against Iran. Without IAEA reports under Resolution 2231, the U.S. cannot easily use the Agency to justify new sanctions. Moreover, Russia and China have effectively rejected snapback enforcement, signaling they will not comply with U.S. sanctions and will continue cooperating with Iran, nullifying America’s intended isolation strategy and reinforcing Iran’s economic resilience.
Cooperation among Iran, China, and Russia has reached a new level as part of a broader strategy to counter U.S. unilateral sanctions. By officially declaring the end of Resolution 2231, the three countries emphasize the termination of all nuclear-related restrictions on Iran. China has enhanced its economic support for Iran and strengthened security and economic cooperation, including financial and technological assistance to mitigate the impact of sanctions—similar to its support for Russia during the Ukraine conflict. Russia has recently hosted the Iranian president to sign a comprehensive strategic pact expanding bilateral collaboration in energy, trade, military, and technology sectors, regardless of U.S. sanctions. This pact, involving multi-billion-dollar trade exchanges, reflects deep strategic ties. Both Russia and China have repeatedly rejected efforts to reinstate UN sanctions and insist on diplomatic engagement based on mutual respect. They have also proposed resolutions in the Security Council to delay snapback enforcement, though these proposals face Western opposition.
These partnerships extend beyond nuclear issues into security domains, including joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and mutual support in international forums. For instance, Russia has stated it will apply its legal interpretations to justify deeper strategic and military cooperation with Iran while disregarding snapback threats. Rooted in shared interests against Western hegemony, this approach could serve as a model for other developing nations and shift the global balance of power toward the East. Ultimately, the letter and associated cooperation present an unparalleled opportunity for Iran to pursue independent diplomacy, strengthen a resilient economy, and advance a peaceful nuclear program. By leveraging these supports, Iran can cement its role as a key actor in the Middle East, maintaining national dignity and independence while mitigating the effects of sanctions and positioning itself as a stronger global player.
