General Assembly: 16th plenary meeting, 81st session
General Assembly
Date: 1 October 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/81/16
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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GA · PGA [21:03]:

Good morning. The 16th plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will now begin its consideration of the agenda item 62, entitled "Use of the veto", to hold a debate pursuant to resolution 76/262 of 26 April 2022, on the situation as to which the veto was cast by a permanent member at the 10,224th meeting of the Security Council on 17 September 2026 under the agenda item entitled "Non-proliferation". The documentation under this item is listed in the Journal of the United Nations. I will now make a statement as the President of the General Assembly. Excellencies, let me begin by thanking you for joining today's debate on the use of the veto pursuant to General Assembly resolution 76/262. Today's debate follows a veto in the United Nations Security Council on draft resolution S/2026/740, convened under the agenda item non-proliferation. Each invocation of the General Assembly's veto initiative highlights both the value of this mechanism and the circumstances that make it necessary. It affirms the complementary roles of the General Assembly as the most universal and representative organs of the United Nations. It ensures that the use of the veto is accompanied by transparency, explanation, and consideration by the wider membership. while maintaining international attention on matters of peace and security. While we value the voice afforded to the wider membership by resolution 76262, we recognize that this mechanism cannot substitute for the effective Security Council action. Its purpose should be to promote transparency and accountability, clarify positions, and above all, help identify a constructive path forward. As I emphasized at the opening of the General Assembly, the Assembly and this Council serve humanity best when they operate in balance, each fulfilling its distinct but complementary responsibility under the Charter. In this regard, I welcome the timely submission on 28 September of the Security Council's special report, which gives effect to the institutional dialogue envisaged in resolution 76/262 and article 24, paragraph 3, of the Charter. Excellencies, the Council's deliberations revealed significant differences concerning the draft resolution And it is precisely when positions diverge most sharply, the dialogue and diplomacy become most indispensable. Let us therefore use this debate not to exacerbate tensions or assign blame, but to clarify positions. identify common ground for constructive solutions, and chart a credible path forward to support dialogue and diplomacy, and ultimately restore trust in the Organization and its ability to deliver. In keeping with established practice, I will transmit a summary of this plenary debate to the President of the Security Council. I thank you for your attention. Before proceeding further, I propose that the time limits for statements in this debate be five minutes for individual delegations speaking in their national capacity and seven minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of states. Is there an objection to this proposal? I see that the delegation of Ecuador has asked for the floor. You have the floor.


Ecuador [26:08]:

Thank you, Mr. President. I don't have any objections to your proposal. However, I would like to request that due to this type of topic, that please, the microphones are not cut off.


GA · PGA [26:44]:

I have heard the representative of Ecuador. I remind him of rule 72 which actually provides a cutoff of microphone. So the President will have to apply that rule. Thank you. So I don't see any further requests for the floor, so it is so decided. Accordingly, pursuant to Rule 72 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, when a representative exceeds her or his allotted time, the President shall call the speaker to order without delay, which will be done by means of automatic microphone cut-off to assist delegations in managing time. A countdown clock will be displayed on the screens. Please be aware that the remaining speaking time is displayed on the left side of the rostrum. I now have the representative of the Russian Federation. You have the floor.


Russian Federation [28:17]:

Mr. President, the Russian Federation voted against the US draft resolution of the UN Security Council to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts of the illegitimate Security Council Committee 1737. This decision was determined by the principled and consistent approach of our country regarding the assurances about the so-called renewal of the action of Security Council resolution that lost that expired in 2015 when 2231 was adopted. Our position on this was repeatedly conveyed to a number of member states, including in the General Assembly. Nonetheless, I believe that it would be helpful to refresh the memory about the background of the main events regarding the joint JCPOA on the Iranian nuclear program and also those reasons for the announcement by its European participants on the launch of the snapback and why that was legally and procedurally null and void. The crisis in implementing the JCPOA was clearly and obviously something that had a clear starting point, the unilateral withdrawal by the US from the agreement in 2018. Despite this destructive approach by Washington, Tehran at that time demonstrated restraint and for more than a year complied with its agreements under the nuclear deal. However, that good faith approach was not responded to appropriately by the Euro 3, the UK, France and Germany. These countries not only did not appreciate the real economic return from the lifting of sanctions on Iran that were enforced up until 2015, but directly violated the provisions of Resolution 2231 and therefore in 2023 introduced unilateral coercive measures to swap out the restrictions that were imposed by the Security Council. International law interprets this extremely clearly. A country that does not uphold its commitment on any treaty or agreement does not have the right to tap into its instruments. Such an understanding was enshrined in the legal doctrine of clean hands and pacta sunt servanda and the advisory opinions of the ICJ. The JCPOA, which is the main key part of 2231, clearly lays out the procedure for resolving any disputes here. These disputes need to be carefully considered as part of the dispute resolution mechanism in Vienna. In Articles 36 to 37 of the JCPOA, there's a clear algorithm for this process. Only once the dispute has been considered in all of the mechanisms, dispute bodies and agreement has not been reached, then can that matter be transferred to the Security Council for consideration. However, in reality, the mechanism despite assurances of our European colleagues, was not exhausted. It wasn't even launched. Thus, the request of UK, France, and Germany that these countries sent to the Security Council on the 28th of August 2025 did not initiate the snapback. In fact, they didn't even legally have that right. This reality could not change any further false and unlawful steps, including the introduction by the ROK in September 2025 of a UN Security Council resolution in conjunction with the snapback, and also the biased assessments of the UN Secretariat. The bare bones of it is that the effect of the Security Council resolution regarding Iran, including 1737 and 1929, was not restored, resolution 2231 expired as stipulated on 18 October 2025. On that day, the Security Council concluded its consideration of the Iranian nuclear program, and non-proliferation as a topic was removed from the agenda. Because of these reasons, the US draft resolution that was considered by the Security Council on 17 September simply lacks the legal basis and even lacks a subject. The proposal to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts of 1733 reached the absurd, given the fact that both the Panel and the Committee have ceased to exist, and did so in 2015, and no decision to renew its work was taken by the Council. Therefore, we were faced with no option apart from challenging that document. The US was are well aware that their draft would a priori be non-acceptable to Russia and China. From the start of the negotiation process on the document, our delegations consistently...


Speaker 5 [33:19]:

The microphone speaker has been cut off.


GA · PGA [33:40]:

I thank this representative of Russian Federation, and I now call upon the representative of China.


China [34:08]:

President, at present, tensions in the Middle East persist. and the political process for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue remains intractably deadlocked. Any actions that lead to flare-ups or undermine dialogue and negotiations should be rejected, and any opportunities to facilitate de-escalation and diplomatic efforts should be cherished. China is committed to peace and dialogue, and stands on the right side of history. Guided by these principles, China voted against the Security Council draft resolution concerning sanctions on Iran. I wish to further emphasize the following points. First, China voted no to uphold a correct sense of right and wrong. The current impasse arises from the U.S. unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA. its campaign of maximum pressure on Iran, and its two rounds of strikes against Iran in the midst of negotiations. The E3 failed to fulfill their obligations under the JCPOA and fell short of exhausting the agreement's dispute resolution procedures. The invocation of the snapback mechanism is legally and procedurally flawed. The Council's resolution 2231 has expired and the Council has ended its consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue. Distorting the historical facts of this issue, forcibly reimposing sanctions and tabling a controversial draft resolution at the Council will undermine the Council's unity and authority and hamper diplomatic efforts. We firmly oppose such moves. Second, China voted no to safeguard the overall interest of a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. A protracted conflict between the U.S. and Iran will be deleterious not only to the parties concerned, but also to the common interests of the international community. Only by addressing each other's legitimate concerns through dialogue and negotiation and reaching a solution that serves the interests of all can the spillover effects on economy, energy, and food security be effectively contained. The international community's priority now is to urge the U.S., Iran, and other relevant parties to commit to a peaceful path, resolve their disputes through dialogue and negotiation, restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz the soonest, and return peace and stability to the Gulf and the wider Middle East at an early date. Third, China voted no in order to properly address nonproliferation concerns as a non-nuclear weapons state party to the NPT. Iran should honor its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. Iran's legitimate right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be respected. Military strikes by certain countries against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards pose serious security risks and create practical difficulties for the cooperation between Iran and the Agency. The U.S. and Iran should properly resolve their differences through rational and pragmatic negotiations. The U.S. should commit to ceasing the use of force so that Iran can conduct peaceful nuclear activities in an orderly manner under strict IAEA safeguards. Fourth, China voted no for the long-term peace and stability in the Middle East. Peace and stability in the Middle East cannot be achieved through external interference or bloc confrontation. Misinterpreting or even abusing Security Council resolutions, applying double standards, and pursuing geopolitical agendas will only undermine the efforts of regional countries to rebuild mutual trust and achieve common security. The international community must uphold the ownership and leadership of peoples of the Middle East, facilitate the convergence of interests among regional countries, eliminate the breeding grounds for conflict, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of these states so as to play a constructive role in addressing the security predicament of the Middle East. President, on the issue regarding the use of veto, China always exercises utmost caution. However, as a permanent member of the Security Council, when faced with cardinal questions of right and wrong and matters concerning fairness and justice, China will never compromise on its principles. China has no self-interests. no selfish interests regarding the Iranian nuclear issues. China's position is consistently grounded in upholding multilateralism and the authority of the Council, safeguarding the international nuclear nonproliferation regime, and maintaining regional peace and stability. China remains committed to working with all parties to making unremitting efforts toward a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. Thank you, President.


GA · PGA [38:48]:

I thank the representative of China. I have European Union, as the next speaker, speaking on behalf of the EU and its member states. You have the floor.


EU · EU [39:06]:

Mr. President, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, the Republic of Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina align themselves with this statement. We deeply regret the veto cast by two permanent members of the Security Council, which is further affecting sanctions monitoring and the functioning of subsidiary bodies. Such actions also directly undermine the credibility of the Security Council and, by extension, the principle of good faith. The EU reiterates its strong support for the General Assembly resolution 76/262, which strengthens the accountability and transparency of the Security Council by ensuring that the wider UN membership has an opportunity to consider situations in which a veto has been cast. This veto was cast against the UN Security Council's reinstatement of UN Security Council resolutions that had already been enforced prior to the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, and thus of all nuclear-related UN sanctions and restrictions on Iran. There should be no doubt on the validity of this process and on the obligation for all UN Member States to fully implement the reinstated resolutions and related obligations in accordance with Article 25 of the Charter. These obligations encompass also the reinstatement of the Panel of Experts, established pursuant to Resolution 1929, to support the 1737 Iran Sanctions Committee. No UN Member State should prevent the UN Security Council from functioning properly and being fully operational. The use of the veto should not impede the effective functioning of Security Council subsidiary bodies or deprive the international community of independent, technical and fact-based expertise necessary for the implementation of Security Council decisions. This need for a panel of experts is even greater today in light of the resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors on 9 September, requesting the Director General to report Iran's non-compliance to the UN Security Council and the General Assembly. The EU is gravely concerned by Iran's continued refusal to engage with the Agency in seeking to remedy its non-compliance and facilitate the full and effective implementation of safeguards. As clearly indicated by the IAEA Director General, Iran's implementation of its safeguards agreement cannot be suspended under any circumstances. The EU reiterates its full support for the impartial role of the IAEA and for its Director General in their critical work to uphold the implementation of safeguards, nuclear safety and security, and to provide clarity on Iran's nuclear program. Mr. President, Ensuring that Iran does not acquire or develop a nuclear weapon remains a key security priority for the EU and all its Member States, as it is for our partners in the region and the entire international community. The EU has consistently stated that the snapback of sanctions and nuclear restrictions must not be the end of diplomacy. The European Union and its Member States are convinced that the lasting solution to Iran's nuclear issue can only be achieved through diplomacy. The EU calls on Iran to return to full compliance with its legal obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its binding Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It is critical and urgent that Iran provide the IAEA with up-to-date and verifiable declarations on the quantity and whereabouts of nuclear material and related activities, and allow the resumption of inspections of all its nuclear facilities, including those affected by military strikes. In the current context, with the risk of further escalation in the Middle East, the EU calls on all parties, especially Iran, to refrain from any actions that could endanger diplomatic efforts to protect civilians and respect international law, including the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. The European Union will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The EU, through the efforts of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 2231, 1929 and 1803, is ready to support the negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. And in this context, the reinstatement of a fully functional and independent panel of experts to assist the 1737 Iran Sanctions Committee is long overdue. I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · PGA [44:10]:

I thank the representative of the European Union. I now invite the representative of Kingdom of the Netherlands to speak -- no, sorry, Finland, on behalf of the Nordic countries. Representative of Finland, you have the floor.


Finland · Nordic Group [44:36]:

Mr. President, I have indeed the honor to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Finland. The Nordic countries deeply regret the use of the veto by the Russian Federation and China in the Security Council on 17 September, blocking the extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1737 Sanctions Committee. The draft resolution enjoyed broad support, with 11 Council members voting in favour and thereby showing their commitment to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts. Since its establishment, the Panel of Experts for the Sanctions Committee has served as the Council's and the broader membership's eyes and ears on Iran's nuclear program. It has gathered facts, investigated violations, provided independent technical expertise, and supported informed decision-making. The Council resolutions on Iran's nuclear program, including Resolution 1929, were restored in September 25, re-initiating the Panel's mandate. Mr. President, it is of great concern that Iran's nuclear program continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security and to undermine the global non-proliferation and disarmament regime. The use of the veto against panels of experts complicates the mandated work of the sanctions committees and undermines the role of the Security Council, to which Member States have entrusted primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security under Article 24 of the Charter. Discontinuing the panel's work has serious implications. The impartial and objective assessments provided by the panels of experts are invaluable to all Member States and national authorities implementing sanctions, as well as to businesses and civil society. The issue has also paralysed the entire workings of the Council's subsidiary bodies, leaving the Council unable to fulfil a core part of its work for nine months and counting. Mr. President, The Nordic countries underline the significance of General Assembly resolution 76/262. The veto initiative is a vital tool for strengthening transparency and accountability, and it reinforces the General Assembly's capacity to uphold the principles of the UN Charter when the Security Council is unable to act. It is deeply regrettable that the veto stands in the way of effectively maintaining international peace and security and promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes. This Assembly should now consider how to fill this vital monitoring gap. I thank you.


GA · PGA [47:51]:

I now give the floor to the representative of Kingdom of the Netherlands, on behalf of the Benelux countries. You have the floor.


Netherlands (Kingdom of the) · Benelux [48:04]:

Thank you, Mr. President. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the three Benelux countries, Luxembourg, Belgium, and my own country, the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We align ourselves with the statement of the European Union and would like to emphasize the following three points. First, on the importance of today's debate. The Benelux countries were proud to co-sponsor resolution A/76/262 that mandates this General Assembly to hold a debate within 10 working days when a veto is cast in the Security Council. Security Council members act on behalf of all member states in carrying out the Council's mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security. Second, we emphasize that snapback took place according to the stipulations of Security Council Resolution 2231 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the JCPOA. Third, the sanctions adopted by the UN Security Council to prevent Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon, adequate monitoring of the implementation of these sanctions is crucial. The casting of a veto that abolishes the mandate of the Panel of Experts is therefore nothing short of reckless, nor consistent with earlier Council decisions that recognized the threat of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon to international peace and security. This gap must be filled, ideally by a Security Council mandate. If such a mandate does not materialize, the international community needs to investigate alternative mechanisms in order to inform the Council and the public about how these UN Security Council sanctions are implemented. The Benelux countries urge Iran to immediately and unconditionally comply with its safeguards obligations and fully restore its cooperation with the IAEA. Diplomacy is and will remain the only way to sustainably resolve the Iran nuclear issue. I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · PGA [50:21]:

I thank the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The next speaker on my list is Austria. You have the floor.


Austria [50:41]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, Colleagues, Austria aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. We meet today because two permanent members of the Security Council used their veto to prevent the renewal of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to Resolution 1929. Austria regrets this outcome. As the Council was unable to preserve an important tool for the implementation of its own decisions. Austria contributed to the establishment of the panel as a member of the Security Council in 2010, when we voted in favor of Resolution 1929. Much of the discussion in the Security Council concerned the legal status of the sanctions regime itself. Austria's position is clear under the process set out in Resolution 2231, the relevant Security Council resolutions were reapplied with effect from 27th of September 2025. Political disagreement over these measures, however, should not detract from the fundamental objective, and that is Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. And Iran must comply with all its legally binding nuclear safeguards obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. At the same time, Austria has consistently stressed that pressure and dialogue are not mutually exclusive. And there is no alternative to diplomacy, as my previous speaker has said. This was our position at the adoption of resolution 1929, and this dual-track approach continues to guide our position. The current confrontation makes renewed dialogue more necessary, not less. This also requires consistency in the implementation of the sanctions regime. The Security Council must ensure that its own restrictive measures do not unnecessarily impede the very dialogue and cooperation they are intended to support. Resolution 1929 itself recognizes that travel restrictions shall not apply when the committee concludes that an exemption would further the objectives of the resolution, including where Article 15 of the IAEA statute is engaged. Austria expects council members to take effective use of such provisions where they serve the objectives of non-proliferation, IAEA engagement and diplomacy. Mr. President, Austria will continue to work towards these objectives, including as a member of the Security Council. from January 2027, while supporting renewed diplomatic engagement on the Iranian nuclear issue. I thank you.


GA · PGA [53:46]:

I thank the representative of Austria. I now invite the representative of Japan.


Japan [54:07]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as maintaining the international nonproliferation regime, are of utmost importance. To uphold these goals, we must faithfully implement decisions made by the Security Council. Iran's nuclear issue remains a significant challenge for regional and global peace and stability. It is therefore regrettable that Security Council was unable to renew the mandate of the panel of experts for 1737 Sanctions Committee, and that veto by Russia and China has undermined the global nonproliferation regime. As a country committed to the NPT regime for maintaining international peace and security, Japan has consistently insisted that Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed. and emphasize the necessity of resolving Iran's nuclear issue through dialogue in close cooperation with relevant countries. With this in mind, the momentum for dialogue must not be lost. It is all the more necessary now to ease military tensions, achieve an early de-escalation of the situation, and steadily resolve nuclear issue and other issues of concern through U.S.-Iran talks. Prime Minister Takaichi and Foreign Minister Motegi have made multiple telephone calls with their Iranian counterparts. Japan continues to call on Iran to properly implement the relevant Security Council resolutions and immediately resume full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency in accordance with its obligations under the relevant safeguard agreement. Japan will continue to duly implement relevant Security Council resolutions and make all necessary diplomatic efforts to adhere with the international community. I thank you.


GA · PGA [55:58]:

The distinguished representative of Japan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States. You have the floor, sir.


United States of America [56:17]:

Thank you, Mr. President, colleagues. On September 17, Russia and China vetoed a resolution to extend the mandate of the panel of experts that supports the 1737 Committee. And our colleagues who vetoed this resolution often speak to us about the tenets of the UN Charter and this institution. Well, let's read a bit of the UN Charter. Article 25 requires members to, quote, "accept and carry out," end quote, Council decisions. The 1737 Committee exists for exactly that purpose, to help member states carry out sanctions agreed to at the Security Council through Resolution 1737. And our colleagues in Russia and China once understood this. In fact, they voted for every one of the six, I say again, six Security Council resolutions whose provisions snapped back into place last year. Resolution 1696, which demanded Iran suspend all uranium enrichment and reprocessing. Resolution 1737, which imposed nuclear and missile-related restrictions and asset freezes after Iran failed to comply; Resolution 1747, which prohibited Iran from exporting arms and expanded sanctions after Iran failed to comply again; Resolution 1803, which tightened nuclear restrictions and expanded financial and travel measures against Iran following still more noncompliance. Again, colleagues, all of those resolutions were voted for by our colleagues in Russia and China. I'll keep going. Resolution 1835, which again demanded that Iran comply with the Council's previous resolutions and meet the IAEA's requirements. Resolution 1929, which imposed new arms and missile restrictions and established the panel of experts to monitor it all. And finally, Resolution 2231, which created the mechanism for all those measures to snap back if Iran went back on its word and to pursue a nuclear weapons program again. Russia and China voted for every one of those. And colleagues, the Iranian regime, while it attacks its neighbors, wants to pretend that this is a conflict only with the United States or a conflict only with Israel. No, these are all resolutions that this body voted to put into place with the panel that then implements that decision. They'll tell you that sanctions against Iran haven't snapped back. That's what you'll hear today from both Russia and China. They'll tell you that the sanctions aren't valid or that they don't exist. But the UN's own sanction website today, as we speak, couldn't be clearer. It reads, and I have it right here, sanctions were reapplied on September 27, 2025. That came after France, Germany, and the United Kingdom spent years exhausting diplomatic options and giving Iran repeated chances to return to compliance, and yet it chose not to. So the snapback process was triggered. The Council considered whether sanctions relief should continue. The Council did not extend that relief. And exactly as Resolution 2231 provided, the previous UN sanctions automatically come back into force. Why? Well, Iran broke the rules. They refuse to abandon their nuclear ambitions. They are enriching uranium to 60 percent, which has no credible civilian purpose. Just ask another UN agency, the IAEA, whose inspectors are repeatedly denied access in Iran and whose own Board of Governors referred Iran to the Security Council for noncompliance just two weeks ago, colleagues, just two weeks ago. Or ask the Iranian negotiators who still refuse to give up their nuclear program, even as their nation crumbles. And now there are those in the Security Council who have chosen not only to look the other way, but to defang some of the only teeth this institution has to enforce its resolutions. Colleagues, we know that Iran exported arms and related material to Russia and Venezuela under the Maduro regime and countries in Africa. We also have information about transfers of fighter aircraft and other arms into Iran. This is why the United States will continue advocating for these measures, and we look forward to working with our partners on it.


GA · PGA [1:01:24]:

I thank the representative of the United States. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:01:49]:

Thank you, Mr. President. The United Kingdom regrets that Security Council resolution renewing the mandate for the Iran Panel of Experts was vetoed by two permanent members of that Council. Panels of experts play an important role in UN sanctions regimes. They provide expert, independent advice and recommendations to support the effectiveness of sanctions. They monitor and report on the implementation and evasion of sanctions. And they assist UN sanctions committees in their work. These vetoes mean that the Iran panel of experts will no longer operate. That will make it harder for the Security Council, including the 1737 Committee, to discharge its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in respect of Iran's nuclear program. This is deeply concerning at a time when Iran has expanded her nuclear program in ways that lack any credible civilian justification. accumulating more than 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. Iran is the only state without nuclear weapons to enrich uranium to this level. Resolution 1737 requires that Iran suspends her proliferation-sensitive nuclear activities, including all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities. and that research and development requirements are verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency. But the agency has been unable to verify the size, composition, or whereabouts of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. Iran has failed to cooperate with the agency and has denied inspectors access to key facilities. This must stop, which is why sanctions monitoring matters. Despite these vetoes of the Panel of Experts mandate, UN sanctions on Iranian proliferation remain fully in force, and they are binding on every member state. The United Kingdom will continue working with partners to uphold UN sanctions, to strengthen the global non-proliferation regime, and to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Thank you.


GA · PGA [1:04:22]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.


France [1:04:48]:

Thank you, Mr. President.

Mr. President, we are meeting today Because of the veto of two permanent members of the Council to renewing the mandate of the panel of experts of the 1737 committee has struck a further blow to the international nonproliferation regime, which is a pillar for international peace and security. Two years ago, Russia was the only one to veto the renewal of the mandate of the panel of experts on North Korea. A few days ago, Russia and China prevented the renewal of the mandate of the 1737 panel of experts on Iran after having obstructed the recruitment of experts proposed by the Secretary for this panel. What is going on? International sanctions on Iran were snapped back a year ago on a basis of grave and repeated violations by Iran of its obligations documented by IAEA. Since 2019, Iran has been involved in a constant escalation of its nuclear program by infringing on the limits imposed by the JCPOA in 2015. Multiple times, Iran refused to take advantage of the diplomatic offers put forward by the E3 to return to upholding the JCPOA. just before the what we call the reestablishment the snapback uh several negotiations took place without any results uh therefore the E3 a no choice in August of 2025 but to begin the procedure of snack back envisioned for non-compliance this procedure was conducted in compliance with paragraphs 11 and 12 of resolution 2231. As a consequence, on the 27th of September of 2025, restrictive measures of the Council on the Iranian nuclear program were restored. This is not a topic of a dispute. This is an objective reality. The Secretary General took note of it in his message to journalists on the 28th of September 2025. These resolutions are incumbent on all member states of the UN. They must be implemented in conformity with Article 25 of the Charter. To ensure the implementation of these sanctions, the Panel of Experts is an essential source of information that is objective and independent. We deplore that Russia and China have opted to deprive the Council and the 1737 Committee of an essential tool to monitor the implementation of legally reestablished resolutions. This veto deprives all Member States of an impartial source of information on an issue of nonproliferation, which puts at stake our collective security. This veto is in particularly deplorable because it comes at a time when the International Atomic Energy Agency is expressing alarm at the risk of proliferation in Iran. Iran has suspended a year ago all cooperation with the agency and has stopped implementing its safeguards obligations. Successive reports of the director general of the agency documents specifically the extent of these violations. Iran in particular has accumulated a stock of over 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, enriched to 60%, without any credible justification for a civilian nuclear program. Such a quantity of nuclear material would be sufficient to produce a dozen nuclear devices. Given these concerns, the Board of Governors of IAEA decided to seize the Security Council on the 9th of September by a large majority for the first time since 2006 regarding violations of Iran of its safeguards. In this context, France reaffirms its support for implementation of the resolutions of the Security Council as well as the work of reinstituted 1737 committee. In spite of the veto renewing this panel, we are ready to continue examining ways of continuing to document these violations. Implementing resolutions is not an end in itself. This is an essential instrument to encourage Iran to engage in negotiations in good faith in order to find a credible monitoring of its nuclear program. France is convinced only a diplomatic solution would be capable of resolving in a lasting way the issue of the Iranian nuclear program and allow for a return to stability and security in the region. In this spirit, France remains ready to contribute to efforts to achieve a robust, verifiable, and lasting solution. Thank you.


GA · PGA [1:09:40]:

I thank the distinguished representative of France. I now invite the distinguished representative of Italy to make a statement.


Italy [1:10:03]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Italy aligns itself to the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add some remarks in its national capacity. Italy was among the co-sponsors of the General Assembly Resolution 76262, known as the Veto Initiative, and we welcome today's debate, which provides a valuable opportunity to sustain the General Assembly's engagement on a matter of significant relevance to the international community, such as the functioning of the bodies devoted to monitor the respect of nuclear-related sanctions and restrictions on Iran. Iran must never develop or acquire nuclear weapons. A diplomatic solution remains the best way to pursue as we cannot renounce to diplomacy if we want to reach at least a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. In the meantime, especially as long as the IAEA remains unable to fully verify that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, it's necessary that the Security Council remains sized of the matter and made able to have a full understanding of the issue at stake. To achieve the result, this result, it's urgent that the Security Council's members reach an agreement on the appointment of chairs and vice chairs of the subsidiary bodies, starting from committee 1737, and that the pertinent panel of experts be made able to provide its necessary expertise. We also invite Iran to cease and reverse any nuclear activity that has no credible civilian justification, and we call on Tehran to engage in serious and constructive dialogue and provide assurances of the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear program, in full cooperation and compliance with the IAEA monitoring and verification mechanism, guaranteeing the implementation of the legally binding safeguards agreement and the respect of the obligations enshrined in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Italy supports the impartial and fundamental role played by IAEA and the efforts of its Director General Gosselin upholding the implementation of safeguards, nuclear safety and security, and providing clarity on Iran's nuclear program. It's in the interest of the world international community that Iran does not acquire or develop a nuclear weapon. It's a key security priority, especially in light of the multitude of challenges that the world is simultaneously facing nowadays. We hope that today's debate will confirm once again the concern of the vast majority of UN member states and provide the necessary support to the Security Council to fulfill its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · PGA [1:12:35]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.


Portugal [1:12:56]:

Good morning. Portugal fully aligns itself with the statement by the European Union, and we'd like to make a couple of remarks in our own national capacity. As a co-sponsor of the veto initiative, Portugal stresses the need for transparency in the Security Council's use of veto. reaffirm our strong support for this General Assembly as a forum for constructive scrutiny and an active engagement by the wider international community, thereby strengthening the legitimacy of multilateralism and the UN itself. So we can but deeply regret the use of the vetoes under the agenda item nonproliferation that prevented the adoption of the draft resolution, and this despite the fact that we had 11 other member states on the Security Council supporting the text. These vetoes cannot be separated from a broader, unresolved disagreement within the Council over the legal effects of the snapback mechanism and, consequently, over the status of the 1737 Committee and its panel of experts. The same disagreement has, sadly, also prevented agreement on the appointment of the chairs and vice-chairs of the Council's subsidiary bodies. A situation that is particularly frustrating for members elected to the Security Council by this General Assembly and representing the wider membership. Independent monitoring should not be the collateral damage of lack of consensus on subsidiary bodies. As an elected member to the Security Council, Portugal will be a steadfast supporter of the contribution that the panels of experts provide to the Council. Independent, fact-based information on implementation, non-compliance, and sanctions evasions are key elements to assess if the Council's decisions are being implemented and whether further action is required. Our concern, therefore, extends beyond this particular file. Recent developments point to an erosion of the Council's independent monitoring capacity, including nonproliferation. Technical expertise, continuity of monitoring, and credible reporting are not optional in matters of nonproliferation. They are essential to informed decision making. The Council may disagree on matters of law and policy. It should not, however, make itself less capable on establishing facts and monitoring the implementation of its own decisions. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [1:15:53]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia.


Slovenia [1:16:15]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Slovenia aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union and wishes to deliver further remarks in a national capacity. Slovenia deeply regrets that the Security Council was once again prevented from taking action due to the use of the veto. Independent monitoring and expert assessment are essential for the effective and credible implementation of Council decisions. The termination of a monitoring mechanism does not terminate those obligations. Rather, it makes their effective implementation more difficult. Slovenia was a strong supporter of the JCPOA. It represented an important diplomatic achievement and established a robust framework to address concerns regarding the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. Whatever the political disagreements surrounding the development that brought us to this point, the provisions of Security Council resolutions must be implemented. The Panel of Experts is an independent technical mechanism. Its role is not to advance political positions, but to support the Committee and the Security Council through professional and objective assessment of the implementation of measures decided by the Council. Let us reiterate another point. At a time of growing international uncertainty and deepening divisions, the inability of the Security Council to act further weakens trust in multilateralism and the institutions established to uphold it. The use of the veto should not be the end of our efforts. We encourage Council members to continue engaging. Slovenia has consistently maintained that there is no viable alternative to diplomacy. A long-term solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiations, accompanied by credible verification and full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Thank you.


GA · Vice-President [1:17:57]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.


Australia [1:18:19]:

Australia deeply regrets that Russia and China vetoed the renewal of the mandate of the 1737 Iran Sanctions Committee Panel of Experts so soon after the IAEA Board of Governors referred Iran to the Security Council for refusing to comply with its safeguards obligations. The Panel's role has become even more important in light of Iran's complete lack of cooperation with the IAEA. The veto has deprived the Council and the wider membership of the opportunity to receive impartial, evidence-based reporting and analysis of violations of UN sanctions imposed on Iran. This only aids Iran and those assisting it with evasion of UN sanctions, which remain in force for the benefit of global peace and security. Taken together, this veto and Russia's 2024 veto of the DPRK panel of experts mandate undermine decades of collective efforts to uphold the global nonproliferation regime. We continue to support a diplomatic solution to ensure Iran never acquires or develops nuclear weapons. President, the veto prevents the Council from acting far too often. Australia's opposition to the veto is longstanding. We will continue to oppose the veto, advocate for restraint in its use, and defend the global non-proliferation regime. This reflects our commitment to practical, principled, and collaborative action that upholds international law, strengthens the global nonproliferation regime, and ensures the Council can act effectively to maintain international peace and security. That is why we co-sponsored the veto initiative, an important mechanism to promote greater transparency and accountability in the Council. As our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has said, the UN must be more than an arena for the great powers to veto each other's ambitions. As a candidate for the Council in 2029-30, Australia supports practical reform to ensure the Council can fulfil its mandate and maintain the confidence of the international community. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [1:20:41]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Islamic Republic of Iran.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:21:09]:

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful. Mr. President, the Security Council must uphold the UN Charter and international law and reject any politicization or manipulation of its procedure. The US draft resolution was a politically motivated, legally unfounded, and cynical attempt to abuse the Security Council to revive the panel of experts of the illegitimate 1737 Committee. The veto by China and Russia were principled and necessary acts, defending the UN Charter, international law, and the integrity and the authority of the Security Council against its abuse. Against this backdrop, I wish to make the following points. First, Iran's position is clear, consistent, and firmly on the record. Resolution 2231 expired on 18 October 2025. As of that date, all nuclear-related provisions, measures, restrictions, and mechanisms had been permanently terminated. The Security Council has concluded its consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue and the agenda item non-proliferation had been removed. The E3 failed to fulfill their obligations under the JCPOA and Resolution 2231 and had no legal standing to invoke the so-called snapback mechanism. the Council reached no agreement on the validity or legal consequences of that illegal invocation. Second, the root causes of the current situation are clear: the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, the E3's significant non-compliance with their commitments, and subsequent US and Israeli military aggression against Iran. including attacks on Iran's peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities. While Iran pursued diplomacy in good faith, the United States chose aggression. These attacks violated the UN Charter, international law, the agency's statute, and relevant resolutions, while flagrantly undermining the fundamental principle that safeguarded nuclear facilities must never be targeted. Such attacks and threats to repeat them have also undermined confidence in the safeguards system and entire nonproliferation regime. Third, the repeated claim that Iran's nuclear program is being diverted to military objectives is a false narrative. concocted by the Israeli regime in 2003, and repeatedly parroted by the United States and certain European countries. No agency report has confirmed this fabricated claim. A repeated lie does not make it true. Iran has been a responsible NPT party since 1970, and subject to extensive agency monitoring for nearly 25 years. Meanwhile, Israel possesses nuclear weapons, remains outside the NPT, and refuses comprehensive agency safeguards over its nuclear facilities. Yet Iran faces political pressure, while Israel continues to receive extensive support. This is glaring double standards and hypocrisy. As President Pizishkan stated before this podium, the atomic bomb is in Israel, but the inspectors are in Iran. Israel kills, yet Iran is sanctioned. That is the tragedy. Fourth, the credibility of the Agency rests on technical independence, objectivity, and impartiality. The non-consensus resolution adopted by its Board of Governance on 9 September was politically driven and disregarded material facts that the fundamental change in circumstances caused by successive US and Israeli attacks on Iran's safeguarded nuclear facilities. Iran maintains that the resolution lacks a valid legal, factual, and technical basis and that any consequential report to the Security Council is likewise without legal basis. Fifth, we categorically reject the baseless allegations made by certain members against my country. In particular, the United States has no legal, political, or moral...


GA · Vice-President [1:26:08]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Islamic Republic of Iran. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Denmark.


Denmark [1:26:36]:

Mr. President, thank you for convening today's debate. Denmark, along with the vast majority of Council members, voted in favor of the resolution we're discussing today. We deeply regret that the Council was prevented from extending the mandate of the Panel of Experts due to the use of the veto by two permanent members. First, Denmark's position remains clear: Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. We strongly support continued diplomatic efforts to restore confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, including through international, effective verification. Our debate is taking place in the deeply worrying context of Iran's non-compliance with its safeguard obligations. Due to this non-compliance, the international community is left in the dark as regards the status of Iran's extensive nuclear program. The program has given rise to serious proliferation concerns, in particular because of its production of highly enriched uranium, which lacks any credible civilian justification. Second, we further regret that, due to these vetoes, the panels are unable to assist the Iran Sanctions Committee in carrying out its crucial role in sanctions implementation. These panels conduct independent and impartial investigations, irrespective of geopolitical tensions. Their work is highly valuable, not only for Council members, but for all UN Member States. As we have heard on several occasions, including this morning, some Council members have attempted to frame this as an issue of legality and procedure and to justify the use of the veto in this light. Denmark refutes that assessment. On the contrary, blocking this mandate renewal demonstrates the unwillingness of these members to acknowledge that the snapback mechanism was activated in full accordance with Security Council Resolution 2231, and that the relevant sanctions measures were consequently reinstated. These sanctions, irrespectively of the vetoes we are debating today, continue to stand. Third, this is not the first time that the veto has been used to prevent the renewal of a UN panel of experts tasked with helping the Security Council to monitor and take action against the threats to international peace and security. Just two years ago, the renewal of the DPRK Panel of Experts was also blocked by a veto, bringing 15 years of independent monitoring of sanctions to an end. The UN must not, once again, be left without independent monitoring simply because the Security Council is blocked. When the Security Council fails to act, the General Assembly has the authority and the responsibility to step up. Denmark stands ready to support potential General Assembly initiatives in this regard. It is critical that we raise our voices today in support of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, in defense of transparency and accountability, and against attempts to undermine the credibility of the Council and its decisions. Denmark will continue to work with all Member States to advance these objectives. We will engage constructively and in good faith to ensure that sanctions regimes are upheld, renewed and adapted in support of international peace and security. We call on all Council members to do the same. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [1:30:28]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Denmark. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.


Bahrain [1:30:47]:

Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain thank you for convening this meeting pursuant to resolution 76/262. This session convenes following the non-renewal of the mandate of the panel of experts, which supports the Security Council Committee 1737, although the draft resolution was supported by 11 members of the Security Council. The Kingdom of Bahrain voted in favor of the draft resolution out of its conviction of the importance of enabling the Security Council and its subsidiary bodies to have the technical and institutional tools necessary to carry out their mandates and to monitor the implementation of the Council's resolution objectively and independently. Mr. President, The Kingdom of Bahrain believes that not renewing the mandate of the Panel of Experts deprives the Council of an important tool that enhances transparency, verification, and the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. Mr. President, the importance of this issue for the Kingdom of Bahrain stems not merely from theoretical or procedural considerations, but from its direct impact on the Kingdom of Bahrain and the countries of the region. The Kingdom of Bahrain, alongside several countries of the region, have been subjected to Iranian attacks targeting their territory, facilities, infrastructure, and civilian objects. These attacks were addressed by the Security Council in its resolution 2817. These developments have confirmed that the risks associated with proliferation, missile technologies, and the transfer of military capabilities do not remain confined within the borders of a single state. Their consequences can extend to affect the security of neighboring countries, the safety of civilians, energy security, maritime navigation, and regional and international stability. Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain has consistently affirmed that diplomacy and dialogue remain the best means to address the Iranian nuclear file and to a peaceful and sustainable solution that guarantees the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program and addresses the legitimate concerns of the international community and countries of the region. However, the success of any diplomatic path requires an environment based on good faith, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, refraining from aggression or threats of use of force, adherence to international law, and commitment to the principles of good neighborliness. Mr. President, On this basis, the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue working with the members of the Council and the wider membership to strengthen transparency, verification, and accountability, and to support serious diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the Iranian nuclear file through peaceful means. In conclusion, the Kingdom of Bahrain affirms that preserving the credibility of the international security regime requires the ability to implement and follow up on Security Council resolutions. The institutions established by the Security Council must be provided the tools necessary to carry out their mandates. Sustainable security and stability cannot be achieved through escalation and confrontation, but through respect for international law, commitment to responsibilities, and a dialogue grounded in fact, trust, and verification. Thank President.


GA · Vice-President [1:34:16]:

Thank you, the distinguished representative of Bahrain. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Latvia.


Latvia [1:34:35]:

Thank you, Mr. President.

As.

A signatory of the veto initiative, Latvia deplores the use of the veto by two permanent members of the Security Council on 17th of September to extend the mandate of the panel of experts of the 1737 sanctions committee. established on Iran's failure to comply with non-proliferation regime. Latvia, as a member of the Security Council, voted in favour of this resolution. And we deeply regret that the resolution was rejected. Council sanctions constitute an integral part of international law and are a key instrument for the implementation of the Security Council's mandate of maintaining international peace and security. Panel of experts, in turn, is a vital tool for comprehensive implementation and serves as an oversight mechanism of Council-mandated sanctions. In particular, panels of experts work to expose efforts to circumvent sanctions, as well as identify any necessary changes and updates, which they submit in their recommendations to relevant sanctions committees and the Security Council. Mr. President, this outcome is the latest step in a deliberate pattern of weakening the UN sanctions architecture for political interests. The 1737 Sanctions Committee operates without a panel of experts due to politicization, not sound legal arguments. These attempts at disruption echo similar efforts undertaken by Russia in 2024, when it vetoed the mandate renewal of the Panel of Experts of the 1718 Sanctions Committee concerning the DPRK, shielding another partner in its illegal aggression against Ukraine. Even more troubling, the selective interpretation of international law by some Council members has caused the work of all Council subsidiary bodies to come to a standstill. and undermines the ability of the Council to fully implement its global mandate. In this case, veto serves to shield Iran, which has been appropriately sanctioned for its longstanding and systemic failure to uphold its international non-proliferation obligations. Iran has withheld required access for IAEA inspectors, resulting in a loss of the continuity of knowledge on highly enriched uranium stockpiles in Iran, including enrichment up to 60 percent, which cannot in any way be reconciled with peaceful purposes. Let us also recall that these vetoes follow a similar example from earlier this year, when the same members vetoed a resolution by Bahrain aimed at ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In the meantime, Iran has continued its unprovoked attacks against its regional neighbors and its attempts to hold an international waterway hostage, with growing global consequences. Mr. President, despite efforts to rewrite history and ignore binding Security Council resolutions, the sanctions against Iran remain in force. All UN member states are obliged to respect and implement them. UN sanctions serve to curb unlawful behavior of states, and they will be maintained until Iran returns to full compliance with international binding obligations. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate that Latvia will continue to uphold the global nonproliferation regime and binding decisions of the Security Council to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [1:38:14]:

I thank the distinguished representative I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.


Switzerland [1:38:35]:

Mr. President, I thank you for convening this meeting, which allows us to consider the implications of the vetoes cast by two members of the Security Council on the resolution intended to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts supporting the implementation of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Switzerland regrets this use of the veto, which runs counter to the responsibilities of the Council and further contributes to the erosion of the global disarmament and non-proliferation architecture. The termination of the mandate of the Panel of Experts is not an isolated case. It forms part of a series of worrying developments that are weakening the Council's sanction regimes and their monitoring mechanisms, as illustrated by the vetoes cast against the renewal of the panel's of experts on the DPRK and Mali. Switzerland is concerned about this development. Sanctions are an important tool of the Council for the maintenance of international peace and security. Their effective implementation relies, in particular, on the essential work of panels of experts. Through their independent, reliable and high-quality analyses, they provide the Council, its subsidiary bodies and all Member States with indispensable information. The absence of such mechanisms weakens monitoring and transparency in the implementation of Council resolutions. Switzerland regrets that the fragmentation of the Security Council over the validity of the sanctions regime is preventing it from functioning properly. Beyond sanctions, we further regret that for 10 months now, this fragmentation has prevented the appointment of the chairs of its subsidiary bodies. This prolonged situation impedes the proper functioning of the Council and, more broadly, weakens its capacity to act. Mr. President, the exercise of the right of veto must reflect the responsibility entrusted to Council members to maintain international peace and security. It should not serve to paralyse the Council's action, but should be exercised with restraint and in the interest of international peace and security. It is incumbent upon Council members to pursue their negotiations in good faith, in a spirit of collective responsibility, and with a determination to reach common solutions. To ensure the proper functioning of the Council, voluntary restraint in the use of the veto is particularly important in the face of mass atrocities. In this spirit, we encourage all States that have not yet done so to endorse the Code of Conduct of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency Group Act. We call on all Council members to demonstrate the necessary political will and to act in a manner that enables the Council and its subsidiary bodies to fully fulfil their mandates. Switzerland recalls the primacy of the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. De-escalation and a permanent ceasefire throughout the region remain imperative. Switzerland continues to work in favour of dialogue and the restoration of trust. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [1:41:59]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Switzerland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein.


Liechtenstein [1:42:21]:

Thank you so much for the floor, Mr. President, and thank you for convening today's meeting in a timely manner after the casting of vetoes by China and the Russian Federation on draft resolution S/2026/740. This resolution would have extended the mandate of the panel of experts supporting the 1737 Iran sanctions committee. We appreciate the production of a special report by the Council. We also value the presence of both permanent members of the Council who have cast a veto. Following the triggering of the snapback mechanism, the Security Council sanctions were reapplied and the Sanctions Committee was re-established. A functioning panel of experts plays a crucial role in assessing the implementation of these sanctions. Prior to being disbanded, the panel provided years of fact-based assessments, analysis and recommendations. By doing so, it delivered independent reports to all UN member states. Every member state benefits from the panel's findings, especially smaller states with limited national capacity to independently monitor complex global procurement networks. This vital work will now be missing because two permanent council members chose to cast vetoes. blocking the renewal of the Panel's mandate. Mr. President, Liechtenstein remains extremely concerned by the situation in Iran. We reiterate our firm opposition to Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon, which is illegal under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. This pursuit is to the detriment of the security of the people of Iran. with considerable knock-on effects for nuclear proliferation. Liechtenstein calls on Iran to fully implement its obligations under the NPT, relevant Security Council resolutions, and its legally binding Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The situation in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region, with continued failures to comply with international law on several sides, is carrying dire consequences far beyond the region, with the most devastating consequences for the most vulnerable. We urge all parties to continue to engage in negotiations in good faith and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. We further regret that differences of opinion among Council members on the functioning of the Iran Sanctions Committee have led to an unprecedented delay in the appointment of subsidiary body chairs. This impasse impedes the Council from effectively carrying out its work across all of its subsidiary bodies. In so doing, preventing the body charged with the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security from carrying out significant parts of its mandated functions. We urge relevant Council members to find the will and flexibility for necessary compromise to ensure that the Council is able to function as intended. Mr. President, the termination of the panel of experts creates a clear need for remedial action by this Assembly. We note that Article 22 of the Charter provides a basis for the General Assembly to consider establishing an independent subsidiary mechanism that could support fact-finding and reporting with the scope of the Assembly's functions on the work of the Iran Sanctions Committee. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [1:46:29]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Estonia.


Estonia [1:46:51]:

President, Estonia aligns itself with a statement delivered by the European Union. And Estonia has consistently stressed the importance of accountability, transparency, and responsibility in the use of the veto. We have also stressed that the veto must not paralyze the Security Council or prevent timely and decisive action. Therefore, Estonia deeply regrets that on 17th of September, Russia and China.

Vetoed the draft resolution to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Security.

Council Resolution 1737 Iran Sanctions Committee.

Panel's vital role was to assist the committee by gathering, examining, and analyzing information regarding the implementation of relevant measures.

Particularly incidents of non-compliance. Resolution 2231, adopted unanimously in 2015, contained the snapback mechanism. Estonia is of the position that the process set out in resolution 2231 was legitimately completed in 2025 and that the previous Security Council resolutions were reinstated.

Also, Russia, China, and Iran contest that position, recent.

Disagreement does not make independent monitoring less necessary, flexing muscles and blocking the panel's renewal does not resolve the dispute or advance diplomacy. In defense of their veto right, we've been repeatedly told that major countries shoulder special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security, and that the Security Council's responsibility is to help create conditions for political and diplomatic efforts. Well, veto by China and Russia is in sharp contradiction with these statements. This veto directly undermines UN Security Resolution 2231 and efforts in ensuring that Iran does not acquire nor develop nuclear weapons.

During the high-level week, in his address at the General Debate.

The President of Iran expressed readiness for dialogue, diplomacy and negotiations.

We take note of that message. But those words mean nothing if not matched by verified deeds. So we call on Iran to comply fully with its safeguards obligations and provide the International Atomic Energy Agency with information and access it requires for verification.

One should also mention Iran's substantial long-term military support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Since 2022, Iran has transferred ballistic missiles, UAVs, and related technology to Russia, knowing very well that Iranian weapons are going to be used against Ukraine, including in barbaric attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure of Ukraine. Against that background, Russia's veto of a renewal of independent expert mechanism concerning Security Council measures on Iran is even more cynical and troubling. We encourage all member states with influence over Moscow, notably China, to help advance comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on the principles of the UN Charter. Providing Kremlin directly or indirectly with the means to continue its aggression should stop immediately. President, across this year's General Debate, numerous Member States across the world called for the veto to be abolished, limited or exercised with extreme restraint, while others criticized its impact on the Council's ability to act. These diverse voices reflect a shared concern over use and abuse of the veto right by the permanent members of the Security Council. We call on all Member States to fully implement and adhere to all provisions of the Charter, We call for all necessary steps to be taken to ensure the full, consistent and effective implementation of Article 27.3. We continue to support the ACT Code of Conduct and the France-Mexico Political Declaration on the Suspension of Veto Powers in Case of Mass Atrocities, which reinforce the Security Council's responsibility and credibility in responding to the gravest threats to international peace and security. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [1:51:11]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Estonia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bulgaria.


Bulgaria [1:51:36]:

Mr. President, Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union on behalf of its Member States. Allow me to add a few additional remarks in my national capacity. Mr. President, Bulgaria deeply regrets the use of veto against the renewal of the mandate of the UN Security Council Panel of Experts assisting 1737 Sanctions Committee. We attach great importance to the effective monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the Security Council resolutions concerning sanctions against Iran's nuclear program. especially now when Iran is yet to return to full compliance with its legal obligations under the Treaty of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its binding Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Without an independent panel of experts, the Security Council loses its source of impartial, evidence-based reporting on sanctions violations that creates a monitoring gap in the implementation of the sanctions against Iran nuclear program. It is particularly worrying that this weakening of the UN sanctions architecture occurs on the backdrop of the recent report of the EIA Director General that the agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relations to Iran nuclear material, stockpiles and enrichment capacities due to Iran's continued refusal of substantive cooperation with the agency. The EIA lack of information about Iran's nuclear material and access to its facilities together with the lack of proper monitoring on the Security Council resolutions violations due to the veto, constitute a matter of serious concern for the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. Bulgaria reiterates its firm stance that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and must comply with its legally binding obligation and return to full and effective implementation of verification activities by the IAEA. We also support the call continued in the latest resolution of the IAEA Board of Governors of the board to report Iran's non-compliance with its nuclear safeguards obligation to the UN Security Council. We urge Iran to immediate and concrete step to remedy its non-compliance. We continue to support the snapback of the sanctions and nuclear restrictions on Iran triggered by France, Germany and the UK last year as a response to Iran's reported significant non-compliance of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The re-establishment of an independent and fully functional panel of experts to assist 1737 Sanctions Committee is an integral element of the snapback. We call on member states to fully comply with their legally binding obligation and strictly adhere to the UN Security Council resolutions concerning sanctions against Iran nuclear program. We further continue to support all diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a viable nuclear deal with Tehran that could provide assurances that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful under the IAEA's strict verification. I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · Vice-President [1:55:23]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Bulgaria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Spain.


Spain [1:55:46]:

Mr. President, Spain lines itself with the statement of the European Union and would like to make the following national comments. Defense and strengthening of international nonproliferation disarmament architectures fundamental for international peace and security, and it is a priority for Spain. With this in mind, we regret the use of the veto in renewing the mandate of the panel of experts that assists the 1737 Committee. We know from experience how important the panel of experts is for the smooth functioning of the Committee. Furthermore, the need for a panel of experts is today even greater in light of the resolution adopted by the Board of Governors of the IAEA on 9 September, in which it requested the Director General to inform the Security Council of the United Nations regarding non-compliance by Iran. Spain reaffirms its full support for the UN sanctions regime, of which the 1737 Committee in charge of its implementation is a key element. The non-renewal of the mandate of the Panel of Experts of the Sanctions Committee on the resolution erodes the basis of the international non-proliferation and disarmament architecture. Mr. Chairman, Mr. President, Spain continues to be committed to the search for a diplomatic constructive, sustainable, and based on international law to the Iranian nuclear file that would restore stability and allow for reestablishing the trust of the international community. Lastly, we reiterate our gratitude and support for mediation efforts deployed by regional partners. It is essential that all actors uphold international law, including the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law. that they protect the civilian population and refrain from undertaking actions that could compromise prospects for a negotiated solution. Thank you.


GA · Vice-President [1:57:36]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Spain. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.


Israel [1:57:59]:

Mr. President, the General Assembly meets today in the aftermath of a deeply troubling failure of the Security Council. On September 17, the Council was asked to extend the mandate of a panel of experts supporting the 1737 Iran sanctions committee. Two permanent members voted against, preventing the resolution from being adopted. This was a vote on whether the international community should retain an independent mechanism to monitor sanctions and expose violations. And we must ask, who benefits when the oversight disappears? The answer is clear. For decades, Iran has advanced its military nuclear program while deceiving the international community and exploiting diplomacy to buy time. Iran has accumulated large quantities of uranium enriched to 60% nuclear material for which there is no credible civilian justification. It has repeatedly violated its international commitments, obstructed verification, concealed nuclear activities, and denied the IAEA the information and access required under its safeguards agreement. This has been documented by the IAEA itself. On June 12, 2025, the IAEA Board of Governors found Iran in non-compliance with its safeguards obligations. including regarding undeclared nuclear material, activities, and facilities. Since then, Iran's noncompliance has only deepened. The latest IAEA finding describe an unprecedented situation. More than nine tons of nuclear material, including 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, have remained outside the agency safeguards for more than a year. Iran has failed to provide the necessary information or access. On September 9, 2026, the Board decided to report Iran's noncompliance to the Security Council and the General Assembly. Furthermore, the danger of Iranian proliferation extends far beyond the nuclear file. Tehran's rapid advancement of its ballistic missile industry and its continuous funding, training, and arming of proxy terror entities across multiple countries pose a direct and escalating threat to regional and global security. Mr. President, Iran is also defying legally binding Security Council resolutions adopted under Chapter VII and Iran's Safeguards Agreement. The sanction regime, reinstated in September 2025, requires Iran to suspend enrichment, reprocessing, and heavy water-related activities, as well as related construction. Iran continues to act in direct contradiction to these requirements. The Security Council must, therefore, restore effective oversight, reconvene the 1737 Committee, establish the panel of experts pursuant to Resolution 1929, and ensure rigorous implementation of the sanctions regime. Because without enforcement, sanctions are merely words on paper. Mr. President, the international community must not allow Iran to turn violations into strategic advantage. And Iran armed with nuclear weapon would pose a grave threat to Israel, the region, and international security. Iran has spent decades developing the enrichment capabilities, nuclear infrastructure, and ballistic missiles capability necessary to bring such a threat closer to reality. Israel, therefore, had to act to defend itself against this existential and imminent threat posed by Iran's murderous intent and capabilities. Mr. President, a failure of international oversight must not become Iran's opportunity. A veto can block a resolution. It cannot erase Iran's obligation or the IAEA findings. We cannot allow negotiations to become a permanent waiting room in which Iran enriches, builds, conceals, and advances while the international community debates. The international community has the legal framework. It has the evidence. It has the tools. What is required now is a political will to use them. Iran must not have a military nuclear program. It must not be given more time to build one. Israel will do whatever is necessary to defend itself and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. But this responsibility does not rest with Israel alone. The Security Council must strengthen enforcement, restore monitoring and expose sanction evasion. It must fulfil its peace and security mandate. Thank you.


GA · Vice-President [2:02:52]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand.


New Zealand [2:03:13]:

President, thank you for convening us today. New Zealand is a long-standing opponent of the veto and a core supporter of the veto initiative. While we are therefore pleased to see those P5 members who choose to use their veto power called to account before this General Assembly, the regularity with which this still occurs is highly regrettable and disappointing. New Zealand is a longstanding advocate for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. We remain convinced that nuclear war must be avoided, and that the only way to eliminate the risks posed by nuclear weapons and to avoid their catastrophic humanitarian consequences is their total elimination. We continue to be gravely concerned by Iran's failure to resolve outstanding nuclear safeguards issues and provide the co-operation required of it by the International Atomic Energy Agency. New Zealand supported the IAEA Board of Governors' recent resolution requesting that Iran be reported to the Security Council. We urge Iran to fulfil its legal obligations and co-operate fully and transparently with the IAEA. New Zealand has consistently supported diplomatic efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons from any source. The international community has deep concerns about Iran's ongoing non-compliance with its obligations. We therefore consider the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran following the triggering of the snapback in August last year to be an entirely appropriate response. President, We are disappointed at the ongoing dispute among the Security Council permanent members over the Iran sanctions regime and the work of the 1737 Committee. Effective implementation of Council sanctions plays a vital role in addressing proliferation risks and supporting international peace and security. Sanctions are most effective when implemented collectively, helping to prevent the spread of these devastating weapons. The panels of experts established under the Council's sanctions committees have a key role in monitoring sanctions and providing independent, thorough and detailed evidence and recommendations to UN members. Notwithstanding the disappointing recent failure to agree on a renewal of the mandate of the 1737 panel of experts, New Zealand takes seriously its obligations as a UN member to implement the sanctions agreed by the Council. We moved quickly to reimpose sanctions on Iran in October 2025 following the triggering of the snapback. Finally, we remain concerned that the ongoing efforts by some Security Council members to prevent constructive action on the work of the 1737 Sanctions Committee continue to have wider negative ramifications for the Council's work. In this regard, the continued delay in appointing chairs and vice-chairs for all subsidiary bodies is clearly undermining the Council's effectiveness and, ultimately, its credibility, and that should concern us all. Thank you, President.


GA · Vice-President [2:06:27]:

I thank the distinguished representative of New Zealand. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.


Germany [2:06:47]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Excellencies, colleagues. I will not dwell very long on Iran's noncompliance. Others have done that this morning and have done it well. I will be brief and make two major points. First, on September 26, the mandate of the Panel of Experts established pursuant to Resolution 1929 expired. We all know this, and due to the vetoes cast in the Security Council, we are now faced with a gap, a glaring gap, as that, in the monitoring of the implementation of sanctions decided by the UN Security Council against Iran's nuclear program. And in times of growing uncertainty about the state of Iran's nuclear program, The UN Security Council fails to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts, and this sends a very concerning signal to the world. In fact, you may call it devastating, that the Security Council sends a picture of itself not being committed to enforce the sanctions it has agreed upon itself. And moreover, this is not only concerning with regard to Iran, but some members hold the Security Council hostage and block the work of the subsidiary bodies as a whole. Colleagues, we should never accept this disregard for the UN system, its bodies and its procedures. The snapback process as provided for in the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 was activated correctly and it took full effect on September 27 of last year, 2025. And accordingly, all six relevant resolutions have been reinstated, as has the Sanctions Committee in accordance with Resolution 1737. These resolutions of the Security Council must be fully implemented by all Member States, and the Panel of Experts must be re-established. Secondly, sanctions and diplomacy must go hand in hand. Sanctions are not a purpose in themselves, but they are an instrument from the Charter that has been used on many occasions as part of a broader diplomatic effort. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have been engaged in diplomacy with Iran over its nuclear program for more than 20 years, based on a dual-track approach of sanctions and diplomacy. And we remain committed, and we will continue our diplomatic efforts to address all concerns associated with Iran's nuclear program, because it is and remains in all of our interest that Iran does never obtain a nuclear weapon. For Germany, I would like to reaffirm our strong commitment to finding a lasting and sustainable diplomatic solution, because only a credible, robust and verifiable agreement will address the Iranian nuclear question. in a viable manner. And only when the international community finds Iran in compliance with its obligations under international law can UN sanctions be lifted, and only then will there be no more need for a committee of experts to monitor sanctions implementation. Thank you very much.


GA · Vice-President [2:10:07]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea.


Republic of Korea [2:10:29]:

Thank you, Mr. President.

As a.

Co-sponsor of the landmark General Assembly resolution 76/262, the Republic of Korea appreciates the convening of this important plenary address.

The use of veto.

The Security Council was unable to adopt an important resolution extending the mandate of the panel of experts established pursuant to resolution 1929.

Following the exercise of the veto.

This is regrettable because independent expert monitoring is an important.

Tool for the Security Council to ensure the effective implementation of its decisions.

And the aforementioned panel has contributed to the international community's broader efforts to uphold the global nonproliferation regime.

At the same time, it is very clear that the termination of the panel's mandate does not.

Alter the legal status or the mandate of the 1737 Committee.

It also does not affect the obligations stipulated in the relevant Security Council resolutions, reinstated September 2025 pursuant to resolution 2231 during the ROK presidency of the Council.

In this regard, we hope that the.

Agreement on the appointment of the chair of the 1737 Committee will be reached as soon as possible. so the committee can effectively discharge its mandate. Mr. President, the Republic of Korea remains firmly committed to achieving a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

We believe that sustained dialogue and engagement both within and beyond the Security Council remains essential to this end. We will continue to support constructive engagement toward a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

While upholding the integrity of the global non-proliferation regime and implementing the relevant UNSC resolutions.

I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · Vice-President [2:12:25]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Republic of Korea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.


Indonesia [2:12:44]:

Mr. President, thank you for convening this debate. Indonesia regrets that once again we have to return to this hall following the use of the veto in the Security Council. This should concern us all. Such divisions raise broader questions about the Council's effectiveness and ability to discharge its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Indonesia therefore reaffirms its support for the central role of the General Assembly as the most representative organ of the United Nations in considering situations arising from the use of the veto, in accordance with GA resolution 76262. But our purpose here must go beyond revisiting divisions in the Council. When the Council is unable to act, the wider membership should help create space to overcome deadlock and restore the conditions necessary for collective action. Mr. President, the situation before us today reflects the broader deterioration of the regional security environment. Our response should therefore contribute to de-escalation and renewed diplomacy. Indonesia believes that sanctions, including mechanisms supporting their implementation, should ultimately contribute to international peace and security and create space for political dialogue. Indonesia has consistently maintained that Security Council sanctions should be approached with caution. They are an exceptional measure under the Charter and should be employed only as a last resort with clear objectives. Sanctions should support progress towards a peaceful solution, rather than become an end in themselves. In this broader context, outstanding safeguards issues cannot be considered in isolation from developments on the ground. Military escalation, mistrust, and the absence of sustained dialogue only make their resolution more difficult. Indonesia's position remains clear. Safeguards concerns should be addressed through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means, consistent with the UN Charter, the NPT, and the relevant safeguards framework, while safeguarding the inalienable rights of all States to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. All States Parties to the NPT must also faithfully implement their respective obligations. Therefore, constructive engagement with the IAEA remains essential to ensure the implementation of safeguard obligations by providing the necessary information and access. Indonesia also encourage all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, and create the conditions for confidence building and meaningful dialogue. What is needed now is greater space for diplomacy to work, while enabling the IAEA to discharge its mandate effectively and independently. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [2:16:02]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ecuador.


Ecuador [2:16:24]:

Mr. President, in the interest of time, my delegation will not elaborate on the gravity of the matter that gave rise to the veto, which has already been reflected in the statements delivered at this meeting. I will focus on presenting some observations on resolution 76/262 along the lines of what several delegations have expressed regarding the need to strengthen synergies between the General Assembly and the Security Council. Ecuador underscores the value of the resolution on the veto initiative, as it has done since April 2022, when this Assembly adopted it. At the same time, drawing on the experience accumulated by this Assembly, Ecuador joins the invitation that has been present in this hall for some time, namely, to assess whether the conditions are in place to undertake a new exercise of collective reflection on the responsibilities of the General Assembly when a veto is cast. Article 24 of the Charter confers upon the Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. That primary responsibility does not, therefore, entail exclusive competence. Indeed, this understanding would be one of the fundamental reasons why the appetite for action by the most representative and democratic organ of the United Nations has always been present when the Security Council is paralyzed. One of the most telling examples may be found in 1950 in Resolution 377A, Uniting for Peace. Mr. President, at a time when our organization is going through one of its most acute crises, There is a question that deserves to be asked and that goes beyond the rhetorical and parliamentary value of these meetings. Can the General Assembly, within the scope of its competencies, provide concrete responses to address the situation that prompted action by the Council? My delegation is fully aware that each case considered by the Council must be assessed on its own legal and political merits. It is therefore not our intention to establish any substantive analogy. But allow me, Mr. President, to make a brief reference to another veto, also under the nonproliferation item, from which certain elements analogous to those of this meeting could be drawn. On 20th of March 2024, during Ecuador's membership of the Security Council, a draft resolution to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts of the Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1718 of 2006 was considered, the draft resolution was vetoed. In that case, on the 28th of March, my delegation argued that independent monitoring does not constitute merely a technical tool. We stated that this tool, by enabling states to ascertain the degree of implementation of decisions adopted to address threats to international peace and security, provides the international community, represented in this General Assembly, with the information necessary to assess risks, make decisions, and comply with their own obligations. The disappearance of a monitoring mechanism while the obligations it was intended to monitor remain in force raises a question that goes beyond the subsidiary body concerned. What happens if the Council is unable to preserve a tool necessary to ascertain the implementation of its own decisions? Are there measures that the Assembly, within the framework of its competencies, could adopt to prevent the international community from being deprived of information relevant to its security? My delegation remains convinced that complementary complementarity between the General Assembly and the Security Council does not entail the arrogation of competences or a modification of the balance established by the Charter. This is because not even a situation in which a majority view prevailed would have legitimacy if the competencies established in the Charter were disregarded. That would be the case, for example, if an attempt were made to turn the Assembly into an automatic mechanism for reproducing a decision that could not be adopted in the Council. It is therefore also appropriate to emphasize that bridges must always be built and the best diplomatic efforts exhausted in good faith and with political will to build understanding and reduce differences before proceeding to any vote. Failure to proceed in this manner exacerbates the risk of responding through forced or ill-timed votes, which in practice would produce effects similar to those of the veto, thereby increasing polarization. Thank you very much.


GA · Vice-President [2:21:21]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ecuador. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste.


Timor-Leste [2:21:40]:

Mr. President, Timor-Leste welcomes this debate pursuant to General Assembly resolution 76/262, following the vetoes cast by two permanent members on 17 September. Under the Security Council agenda item non-proliferation, we take note of the Council's special report. This mechanism affirms that the wider membership must scrutinize the exercise of the veto. Transparency requires clear, substantive, and public explanations of its legal and political grounds, its implications for international peace and security, and the alternatives proposed to overcome deadlock. The morales that calls for the utmost restraint in exercising the veto and for meaningful engagement in this assembly. Accountability must lead to renewed efforts towards agreement. Mr. President, we recognize the differing legal and political positions concerning the proposed extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts supporting the 1737 Committee on Iran. These differences require constructive consultation and good-faith efforts to preserve credible, impartial monitoring in support of diplomacy. We urge all parties to pursue a negotiated solution, fulfill their applicable international obligations, and cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency in accordance with their safeguards commitments. The Agency's independent verification role is essential to rebuilding confidence. Timor-Leste reaffirms its commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to the balanced implementation of its three pillars. non-proliferation, nuclear disarmament, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Preventing proliferation and fulfilling disarmament obligations are shared responsibilities. In his address to this Assembly, President Sousa Ramos Orta called for a summit involving nuclear powers to advance commitments against a first strike, strengthen communication between leaders, and pursue reductions towards the eliminations of nuclear arsenals. His appeal underscores the importance of engaging adversaries in dialogue to prevent war. That spirit must guide our work. Sustained diplomacy, practical cooperation, and verifiable commitments. Mr. President, we must also expand the contribution of atomic energy and nuclear science to peaceful development. Article 4 of the NPT affirms the right of States Parties to peaceful nuclear research, production and use without discrimination and in conformity with the Treaty. We advocate a stronger IAEA role in facilitating to these benefits, including for cancer care, food security, water management and where nationally appropriate, low-carbon electricity. Developing countries need greater technical cooperation, training, and institutional capacity alongside robust safety, security, and safeguards. For Timor-Leste, international institutions must earn confidence through transparency, fairness, and results. Let us ensure that explanations of the veto open a path to cooperation, that nuclear science serves human well-being while we work towards a world free of nuclear weapons. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [2:24:59]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.


South Africa [2:25:24]:

Mr. President, thank you for convening this debate that affords the broader membership of the United Nations an opportunity to express their views on the veto cast on 17 September during consideration of the agenda item on non-proliferation, as we went to UNGA Resolution 76262. While we acknowledge that the UN Security Council holds the primary mandate for the maintenance of international peace and security, Resolution 76262 remains a testament to the notion contained in Article 24 of the Charter that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility, The Security Council acts on behalf of all UN Member States and is thus accountable to them. Mr. President, South Africa wishes to register its deep concern with the adverse impact of the failure to resolve the matter under the non-proliferation agenda item, which is symptomatic of a divided Council and its failure to deliver on its mandate. This is especially true in terms of the Pacific settlement of disputes and delivering on extensive negotiations and adroit diplomacy that resulted in the landmark adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 in 2015, endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The JCPOA and the Council's endorsement was once hailed as a paragon of diplomacy and one of the most significant recent developments in nuclear nonproliferation, as well as upholding the right of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Not only has the Council's divisions resulted in the collapse of this decades-long process, but its failure also To call for an immediate ceasefire and urgent resumption of negotiations in crisis affecting the Persian Gulf and the broader region is a blight on the credibility of the Council. South Africa is deeply concerned that this broader failure of the Council has paralysed the Security Council's subsidiary bodies, which should be essential in implementation of its various resolutions. thereby further impacting its integrity and credibility. It is unprecedented that to date, the Security Council has yet to appoint the chairs and vice-chairs of the subsidiary bodies, thus imperiling their important work. South Africa urges all members of the Security Council to consider the constructive proposals presented during the open debate on the implementation of Note 547 on the working methods of the Council held last month on 19 August, including in particular the proposal to delink the contentious mechanisms from the non-contingent committees to enable the Security Council to fulfill its mandate of the maintenance of international peace and security. Furthermore, it is important for the Council's subsidiary bodies to be fit for purpose. relying less on a punitive approach and prioritizing work that encourages adherence to Council's resolutions and enables peace building and maintenance of international peace and security. In this regard, maximum pressure policies should be reconsidered as they have proven to be ineffective at best and indeed counterproductive in most cases. Finally, Mr. President, South Africa strongly urges the Council to seek to address its chronic disunity and lack of adequate and measured approaches to fulfill its mandate in these most trying times. The Council's shortcomings necessitate urgent reform of this principal organ of the United Nations to ensure greater accountability, representation and effectiveness, and to restore the full credibility of the Council in fulfilling this central mandate of our organization. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [2:30:09]:

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. And now, give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.


Canada [2:30:31]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Canada not only regrets the result of this vote, but also the worrisome trend that it reflects following Russia's veto of the mandate of the panel of experts of Committee 1718 in 2024. This most recent veto further compromises the Council's ability to enjoy independent technical expertise to meet needs, concerns rather than the area of proliferation. Russia and China once again used their veto to prevent the Security Council from acting, despite the evident support of the overwhelming majority of its members. This trend is particularly troubling at a time when global challenges in the area of proliferation are increasingly complex. Canada remains profoundly concerned by Iran's non-respect of its commitments in the area of nonproliferation. Iran has not yet provided the IAEA with the necessary credible cooperation and technical explanations to resolve longstanding problems in the area of safeguards, as laid out in the most recent report of the Director General of the IAEA. The conclusions of the agency need to be addressed in the context of cooperation, transparency, and responsibility, and not rejected or ignored.

Canada continues to support the maintenance of the committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 and its panel of experts. UN sanctions are essential for preventing nuclear proliferation in Iran and elsewhere, and their effective implementation depends on objective monitoring and expert analysis. The absence of a panel of experts creates an unnecessary monitoring gap that weakens the international community's ability to assess developments objectively and undermines confidence in the effectiveness of international nonproliferation mechanisms. Member states should be strengthening, not weakening, the tools available to verify compliance and build confidence. Last month, the IAEA Board of Governors exercised its statutory responsibility under the IAEA statute by reporting Iran's noncompliance to the UN Security Council. While the IAEA acted to uphold its mandate, the Security Council has not fulfilled its own. Amid this persistent deadlock, Canada strongly supports the veto initiative established pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 76/262. As we see today, this initiative is critical to ensuring that the use of the veto is subject to scrutiny and accountability by the wider UN membership. Accountability must not, however, end with scrutiny of the veto. It must also extend to those who fail to meet their non-proliferation obligations. Canada will continue to support the IAEA's indispensable mandate, uphold the integrity of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, and safeguard the right to benefit from the peaceful uses of energy. We remain convinced that transparency, verification, and cooperation are the surest path to international peace and security. I thank you.


GA · Vice-President [2:34:13]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.


Ukraine [2:34:31]:

Mr. President, as a co-sponsor of General Assembly resolution 76/262, Ukraine welcomes the convening of today's debate.

Ukraine regrets that the Security Council was prevented from preserving the independent monitoring mechanism.

Established to support the work of the 1737 Committee.

Despite the support of 11 Council members, the draft resolution was not.

Adopted due to the vetoes cast by two permanent members. The relevant Security Council resolutions concerning Iran's nuclear program were reinstated in September 2025. The measures established by those resolutions remain in force, must be fully implemented. Their effective implementation requires credible and independent monitoring capable of identifying possible violations, detecting sanctions evasion, and providing the committee with objective information. Preventing the panel from functioning does not remove these obligations or resolve the underlying proliferation concerns. Mr. President, this is particularly troubling given the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear program. The latest IAEA findings demonstrate that serious safeguards concerns remain unresolved. The agency has been unable to conduct the necessary verification activities at declared nuclear facilities and has lost continuity of knowledge regarding Iran's previously declared inventories of nuclear material, including highly.

Enriched uranium.

Ukraine, therefore, calls on Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA and provide all necessary information and access. Mr. President, in March 2024, the Russian Federation vetoed the extension of the panel of experts assisting the 1718 Committee concerning the DPRK, bringing to an end 14 years of independent UN monitoring of sanctions implementation. Today, another independent monitoring mechanism has been prevented from functioning effectively. We stress that Russia itself has directly benefited from prohibited military cooperation with states.

Subject to UN sanctions.

Iranian-designed Shahed-type UAVs and ballistic missiles and other weapons supplied by the DPRK have been used to fuel Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. It is therefore particularly alarming that Russia's abuse of its veto power to obstruct mechanisms designed to monitor compliance with the Council's own decisions, while directly benefiting from the very violations those mechanisms are intended to uncover. The problem, however, extends way beyond sanctions monitoring. Russia repeatedly resorted to the veto in matters directly related to its aggression against my country, preventing the Security Council from effectively discharging its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. This once again demonstrates why the question of the veto, and particularly its abuse, must remain central to meaningful Security Council reform. Ukraine firmly believes that the use of the veto should be restricted in situations involving genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, as well as in the cases.

Where a permanent member is itself a party to a conflict.

Thank you, Mr. President.


GA · Vice-President [2:37:47]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. We have heard the last speaker in this debate. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 62. The meeting is adjourned.