Iran criticized the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on its nuclear program, calling it unjustifiable. The sanctions, which target Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile activities, were reinstated after Western powers activated the “snapback” mechanism from the 2015 nuclear agreement. Iran’s foreign ministry stated that the revival of the annulled resolutions lacked legal basis and urged all countries not to acknowledge the illegal situation. The country vowed to defend its national rights and interests, warning of strong responses to any efforts to undermine its people. The sanctions mark the end of diplomatic efforts to revive nuclear talks following airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities by Israel and the US. Despite the sanctions, Western leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining dialogue with Iran.
The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, emphasized that diplomatic efforts should continue, stressing that a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Iran to engage in direct talks in good faith and urged UN member states to implement sanctions promptly to pressure Iran’s leadership. The foreign ministers of Britain, France, and Germany expressed their commitment to seeking a diplomatic solution to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while also urging Tehran to avoid escalating tensions.
Iran permitted UN inspectors to access its nuclear sites, but rejected a US proposal to surrender its entire enriched uranium stockpile in exchange for a short reprieve. Efforts by Russia and China to delay the sanctions until April failed to garner sufficient support in the Security Council, leading to the sanctions taking effect. Russia declared it would not enforce the sanctions, deeming them invalid. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized the West for obstructing constructive solutions in the UN Security Council and attempting to pressure Tehran for unilateral concessions.
Iran has consistently maintained that it does not seek nuclear weapons. Iranian newspapers had varying reactions to the sanctions, with some suggesting that they would have been imposed regardless of Iran’s engagement in negotiations. The future stance of Russia and China on the matter remained a point of interest for observers.