Britain has cautioned that it will reinstate UN sanctions on Iran if necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The statement came during a UN Security Council meeting where Western nations expressed alarm over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels.
Iran has consistently denied any intention of developing nuclear weapons. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran has been accelerating uranium enrichment up to 60% purity, close to the 90% level required for nuclear weapons.
Western Nations Express Concerns
Western nations argue that there is no civilian justification for such high levels of uranium enrichment. No other country has done so without producing nuclear bombs. Iran, on the other hand, maintains that its nuclear program is purely for peaceful purposes.
Britain’s Deputy UN Ambassador, James Kariuki, stated:
“We are clear that we will take any diplomatic measures to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, including the use of snapback sanctions if needed.”
US and Allies Condemn Iran’s Actions
The closed-door UN Security Council meeting was initiated by six members: the United States, France, Greece, Panama, South Korea, and Britain. The US mission to the UN accused Iran of defying the Security Council and violating its obligations to the IAEA.
“Iran is the only country in the world without nuclear weapons producing highly enriched uranium, which has no credible peaceful purpose,” the US mission stated.
Iran’s UN mission countered by accusing the US of using the Security Council to escalate economic pressure on Tehran, calling this move a “dangerous abuse.”
China and Russia Urge Diplomacy
China and Russia have taken a different approach, advocating for diplomatic negotiations. China announced that it will host a meeting with Iran and Russia in Beijing to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
China’s UN Ambassador, Fu Cong, stated:
“We still hope that a new deal can be reached before the JCPOA termination date in October.”
Background on the Iran Nuclear Deal
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in 2015 by Iran, the US, UK, France, Germany, Russia, and China, aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the US withdrew from the deal in 2018 under former President Donald Trump, prompting Iran to step back from its commitments.
With the 2015 UN resolution on the JCPOA set to expire on October 18, Britain, France, and Germany will soon lose the ability to trigger the automatic reinstatement of international sanctions on Iran. The US has directed its diplomats to work with allies to ensure sanctions remain in place.
What’s Next?
Under the JCPOA’s dispute resolution mechanism, European nations have until early August to trigger snapback sanctions if Iran does not comply with nuclear restrictions. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue as global powers attempt to reach a new agreement.