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5d ago

U.S. and Iran Clash at U.N. as Washington Conditions Talks on Zero Enrichment

Deep splits over sanctions and the status of Resolution 2231, alongside constrained IAEA monitoring, underscore why efforts to restart nuclear diplomacy are stalled.

FILE - The symbol of the United Nations is displayed outside the Secretariat Building, Feb. 28, 2022, at United Nations Headquarters. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
U.S. and Iran flags are seen in this illustration taken June 18, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
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Overview

  • U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus told the Security Council Washington is ready for direct negotiations only if Iran accepts that there can be no uranium enrichment on its soil.
  • Iran’s U.N. ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani rejected zero enrichment as contrary to its NPT rights and said Tehran will not bow to pressure or intimidation.
  • The Council’s meeting was contentious, with Russia and China disputing its legitimacy and arguing Resolution 2231 expired on Oct. 18, while Western members proceeded with the briefing.
  • Britain, France and Germany said their September snapback reinstated U.N. sanctions, a move Russia, China and Iran contest; the EU and UK pressed Tehran to restore IAEA access to restricted and damaged sites.
  • The IAEA has reported Iran holds over 440 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, and UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo said a negotiated settlement ensuring a peaceful program and sanctions relief remains the best option, a view echoed by Pakistan’s call for dialogue.