mm-news-@dmin “We urge you to prevent any attempt to revive the sanctions mechanisms,” says the Iranian FM to the UN Secretary General
- United Nations’ sanctions on Iran restored.
- Iran recalls ambassadors to Britain, France, and Germany.
- Iran’s rial hits record low amid sanctions fears.
UNITED NATIONS: On Saturday, the United Nations reinstated an arms embargo and other sanctions on Iran after key European powers triggered the process, which Tehran has warned will provoke a harsh response.
Britain, France, and Germany triggered the return of sanctions on Iran at the UN Security Council over accusations that the country has violated a 2015 deal that aimed to stop it from developing a nuclear bomb. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
On Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged the UN Secretary-General to prevent the revival of mechanisms to implement UN sanctions after their reimposition on Tehran.
“We urge you to prevent any attempt to revive the sanctions mechanisms, including the Sanctions Committee and the Panel of Experts,” Araqchi wrote in a letter posted on X, adding that Tehran will not recognise any attempt to extend, revive, or enforce UN sanctions.
The end of the decade-long nuclear deal originally agreed by Iran, Britain, Germany, France, the United States, Russia, and China is likely to exacerbate tensions in the Middle East, just months after Israel and the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites.
UN sanctions imposed by the Security Council in resolutions adopted between 2006 and 2010 were reinstated at 8 pm EDT Saturday (0000 GMT). Attempts to delay the return of all sanctions on Iran failed on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN this week.
“We urge Iran and all states to abide fully by these resolutions,” the foreign ministers of France, Britain, and Germany said in a joint statement after the deadline passed.
Tehran has warned of a harsh response. But Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that Iran had no intention of leaving the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran said on Saturday it was recalling its ambassadors to Britain, France, and Germany for consultations.
Russia has disputed the return of UN sanctions on Iran.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters at the UN on Saturday that the sanctions are unlawful and cannot be implemented. He added that he had written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, warning that acknowledging the return of UN sanctions on Iran would be “a major mistake.”
The UN Security Council website was swiftly updated on Saturday evening to reflect the return to sanctions.
Diplomacy is still an option
The European powers had offered to delay reinstating sanctions for up to six months. To allow space for talks on a long-term deal. If Iran restored access for UN nuclear inspectors, it would address concerns. About its stock of enriched uranium, and engaged in talks with the United States, it would be a positive step.
“Our countries will continue to pursue diplomatic routes and negotiations. The reimposition of UN sanctions is not the end of diplomacy,” the foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany said. “We urge Iran to refrain from any escalatory action and to return to compliance with its legally binding safeguards obligations.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that US President Donald Trump has made clear that. Diplomacy remains an option for Iran. And a deal is still the best outcome for the Iranian people and the world.
“For that to happen, Iran must accept direct talks, held in good faith, without stalling or obfuscation.” He said, stressing that until there was a new deal. Countries needed to implement sanctions “immediately to pressure Iran’s leaders. To do what is right for their nation, and best for the safety of the world.”
Iran’s economy is already struggling with crippling US sanctions reimposed. Since 2018, after Trump ditched the pact during his first term.
Iran’s rial currency continued to decline over fears of new sanctions. The rial fell to 1,123,000 per US dollar, a new record low, on Saturday, from about 1,085,000 on Friday. According to foreign exchange websites, including Bon-bast.com.
With the return of UN sanctions, Iran will again face an arms embargo. A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing, and restrictions on ballistic missile activities, including launches.
Other sanctions set to be reimposed include a travel ban on dozens of Iranians. An asset freeze on individuals and entities, and a ban on providing materials for Iran’s nuclear program.
The UN authorises all countries to seize and dispose of banned items. And it prohibits Iran from acquiring any interest in foreign commercial activities. Involving uranium mining, production, or use of nuclear materials and technology.
