Overview
- The Council rejected a Russia–China bid to delay the measures by six months in a recorded vote of 9 against, 4 in favor and 2 abstentions, and the restored UN sanctions took effect over the weekend.
- France, Germany and the United Kingdom triggered the process, reinstating an arms embargo, asset freezes, missile-related restrictions, travel bans and inspection/boarding provisions tied to Iran’s nuclear and missile activities.
- Iran called the move legally void, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemning it and President Masoud Pezeshkian saying a U.S. request to surrender enriched uranium for a three‑month reprieve was unacceptable, while pledging to remain in the NPT.
- Russia and China argued the snapback is invalid and signaled they will not implement the measures, sharpening the geopolitical split over Iran policy.
- The IAEA said inspections resumed this week though verification remains constrained, as reports put Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile near 440–450 kg and the rial hit record lows with rising prices.