Non-proliferation - Security Council, 10218th meeting

Good morning to you all. The 10,218th meeting of the Security Council is called to order. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Mr. President. Given that some Security Council members will not desist in their attempts to misuse Security Council procedure so as to legitimize their unilateral assertions about the snapback which supposedly had been triggered, we are compelled to raise a point of order and to yet again issue a reminder of the principled position of the Russian Federation on this matter. Security Council resolution 2231 expired on the 18th of October 2025. On that very same day, as pursuant to the resolution itself, the non-proliferation agenda item was struck off the list of issues the Security Council is seized of. The mechanism for reinstating previously adopted Security Council resolutions on Iran mechanism set forth in resolution 2231 was not activated, and this for a whole host of legal and procedural reasons. Together with other delegations, we've repeatedly clarified those reasons for all Security Council members and other UN member states. Thus, there are no grounds for the 1737 Committee to resume its functioning, a committee which ceased to exist back in 2015. Nor are there any grounds for discussing the committee's so-called work here at the Council. Assertions to the contrary, including the ones which have taken cover under the UN Secretariat's biased and erroneous conclusions, as well as President's Note 507, hold no water and are inappropriate. President, in light of the above, the Russian Federation is against this briefing being held and would like to put the adoption of the agenda to a procedural vote. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation, and I give the floor to the representative of China.

President, China supports the intervention made by the Russian Federation. I wish to emphasize that Security Council Resolution 2231 expired on October 18th of last year. The Council has ended its consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue. The President of the Council does not have a mandate to draft a so-called 90-day report and brief the Council on it. China notes with regret that significant disagreements persist among the Council members regarding the aforementioned issues. A few members, in disregard of the differences, insist on forcibly reimposing the Council's sanctions against Iran and convening Council meetings under a removed agenda item. Such actions will not only deepen divisions within the Council, but also seriously impede the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. China expresses its grave concern over and strong opposition against these moves. China calls on all members of the Council to effectively implement the measures relating to the termination date as laid out in Resolution 2231, maintain the authority of the Council and the credibility of multilateral diplomacy, and create favourable conditions for the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China, and I give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. President. The United Kingdom rejects the points made by Russia and China. Today's meeting is fully in line with the decisions and procedure of this Council. The United Kingdom, with France and Germany, initiated the snapback mechanism in full accordance with Security Council resolution 2231. We took this decision in response to Iran's significant non-performance of her commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. As Russia and China are aware, the snapback process concluded on 28 September 2025, when this Council voted against the continuation of sanctions lifting for Iran. Six UN Security Council resolutions, including 1737, have been in force for nearly a year. Resolution 1737 is clear in its mandate. The Committee is required to report to the Security Council on its work at least every 90 days. The Council should act in accordance with its own legally binding Chapter VII resolutions and should not be denied the opportunity to consider these important issues. We therefore urge members to proceed with today's meeting. The United Kingdom will vote in favour of the adoption of the agenda.

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

The United States strongly rejects the assertions made by the representatives of the Russian Federation and China. We fully support the statement made by the representative of the United Kingdom in support of moving forward with this meeting. One year ago, this Council chose, in a decisive vote, to permit the reimposition of UN Security Council resolutions 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, and 1929. Pursuant to this decision, the 1737 Committee was reestablished. This committee is operational. It has decided exemption requests, and the Secretariat selected a slate of members for the panel of experts. Resolution 1737 and the subsequent resolutions mandate quarterly reports from the 1737 committee to this council. Today, the president of this council is acting chair of the 1737 committee should present the committee's 90 day report. We are disappointed that the obstruction from two council members yet again blocked the delivery of this mandated report to the council. This report is an entirely factual description of the committee's activities during the reporting period. China and the Russian Federation want to undermine the implementation of this Council's resolutions and, in doing so, the will of this Council so that they can protect Iran, a country that continues to openly defy many of its most basic UN obligations. Regardless of such politically driven matters, the facts are the facts. The 1737 Committee exists. It was tasked by this body to constrain and monitor a nuclear program that Iran sought to operate out of the view of the international community. Iran remains in non-compliance with its nuclear non-proliferation treaty mandated comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA, as reaffirmed this week by the IAEA board. The United States will continue to work with partners on and off this council to ensure the broadest possible international compliance with respect to the six resolutions reinstated last September. we call on council members to join us in that common effort. Despite the obstruction by two members blocking the committee's report, this meeting provides an important opportunity to discuss implementation of the sanctions measures reinstated by this council. I urge everyone to join us in voting yes to adopt the agenda, hold this meeting, and allow the council to proceed with its work. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States, and I shall now express a few comments in my capacity as representative of France. Very briefly, I fully align myself with the remarks that have just been made by the representatives of the United Kingdom and the United States. The Council resolutions on the Iranian nuclear programme were restored on 27 September 2015. The Secretary-General noted this in his note the same date. Resolution 1737, which is one of the resolutions reinstated, provides for the establishment of a sanctions committee and provides that this committee should report to the Council at least every 90 days. We therefore believe that this meeting should be held in accordance with the mandate granted by Council resolutions and we will vote yes for the agenda. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. Given the request and the comments expressed by members of the committee, I propose to put to a vote the provisional agenda. Will those in favour of the adoption of the provisional agenda on Non-Proliferation Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737, please raise their hand. Those against? Abstentions? The result of the voting is as follows. 11 votes in favour, 2 votes against, 2 abstentions. The provisional agenda is adopted. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of item 2 of the agenda. I give the floor to the members of the Council who wish to make statements. I give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. President. For over 20 years, Iran's nuclear and missile programs have been a source of grave international concern. The United Kingdom has consistently advocated for a diplomatic solution through negotiation and dialogue. In 2006, this Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1737, marking a decisive step to address the threat. That resolution imposed sanctions banning nuclear technology and materials and asset freezes on those linked to Iran's enrichment program. In 2015, this Council endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, enabling comprehensive economic and financial sanctions relief if Iran undertook commitments to limit her nuclear program. We regret that instead, Iran chose a path of nuclear escalation, expanding her nuclear program in ways that lack any credible civilian justification. That includes accumulating over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. Iran is the only country without nuclear weapons to enrich uranium to this level. In August 2025, the United Kingdom, France and Germany notified this Council of Iran's clear and deliberate non-compliance with the JCPOA. And in September 2025, this Council took the necessary steps to complete the snapback process and UN sanctions came back into force. One year on, Iran has repeatedly appealed to other Member States to uphold the UN Charter, but has failed to uphold her own obligations and to respect the authority of this Council. Three points. First, our UN Charter requires the full implementation of all sanctions resolutions, including the arms embargo. Each of the six Security Council resolutions passed over the last 20 years constrains Iran's dangerous proliferation, protects international security, and plays a key role in safeguarding the global non-proliferation architecture. all Member States, including Iran, are obliged to implement these Chapter VII resolutions without exception. The 1737 Committee must deliver on its mandate. We call for the prompt appointment of a Committee Chair and appointment to the panel of experts. And we urge support for the upcoming mandate renewal of the panel. Second, Iran is now failing to uphold the obligations into which she freely entered under her Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, agreed with the IAEA in line with her obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The IAEA Director General's report is clear. Iran has not engaged the IAEA. Rather, her non-cooperation has worsened. Iran has not given access to IAEA inspectors since June 2025, except for the Bushehr power plant. And in the period leading up to its latest report, the IAEA was granted no access to any of Iran's nuclear facilities in that period. None at all. As a result, the IAEA has not been able to verify the status of Iran's nuclear facilities and associated nuclear material, including a uranium stockpile. Director General Groce's report calls this a matter of proliferation concern and of compliance with Iran's NPT safeguards agreement that needs to be addressed with the utmost urgency. So is Iran's failure to implement her IAEA additional protocol since 2021. The IAEA Board of Governors found Iran to be non-compliant with their Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement obligations in June 2025. For over a year, we and others have urged Iran to return to compliance, but she has not. Iran's refusal to comply with her obligations has left us no choice but to act. And yesterday, the IAEA Board of Governors decided that Iran's non-compliance with her safeguards obligations is a matter for this Council's consideration. Third and finally, Iran can and now should choose the path of diplomacy. Iran should address the international community's longstanding concerns over her nuclear program by returning to negotiations, cooperating fully with the IAEA, and restoring full transparency on her nuclear programme, including her safeguards obligations. The United Kingdom stands ready to respond positively to credible and verifiable progress. Mr. President, a negotiated settlement is the only long-term solution to the threat posed by Iran's nuclear programme. We remain committed to a lasting and sustainable diplomatic solution that ensures that Iran never develops or acquires a nuclear weapon. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United Kingdom for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bahrain.

Mr. President, at the outset, I would like to thank the delegation of France for its presidency of the Security Council this month. We also welcome the inclusion on the agenda of this important meeting relating to the Security Council Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 at a time where there is an increasingly pressing need to activate the Council's tools to ensure compliance and to maintain international peace and security. The Kingdom particularly appreciates the efforts made to submit the Committee's periodic report pursuant to paragraph 18 of the resolution, which provides the committee shall report to the Council on its work at least once every 90 days. In this context, we note that the report before us covers the period since the committee was reactivated on 27 September 2025. Indeed, no periodic reports were submitted in December 2025 or in March and June 2026. Mr. President, the report before us reveals a clear institutional challenge that warrants the Council's attention. Since the committee was reactivated, no chair has been appointed due to the blockages of consensus on the appointment of chairs of Security Council committees and subsidiary bodies. This situation has affected the ability of these mechanisms to fully discharge their mandate. In the case of the 1737 Committee, this has had a direct impact on its work. The Committee did not hold any meeting during the reporting period, despite continuing to receive and process requests and notifications relating to exemptions from the assets freeze, as well as a proposal to update the sanctions list. In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain stresses the importance of completing as soon as possible the Committee's institutional structure, in particular through the appointment of a chair, so that the Committee can perform its functions regularly and effectively. We also attach particular importance to the full implementation of the panel of experts assisting the Committee to ensure that it can fully and effectively discharge its mandate. The report further indicates that the Committee considered a letter from the Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs proposing the appointment of eight experts to serve on the panel of experts pursuant to resolution 1929, however, no consensus was reached on their appointment. The Kingdom of Bahrain believes that the continuation of this situation would directly limit the Committee's ability to implement its mandate. The panel of experts is not a mere procedural or secondary component of the sanctions regime. Rather, it is an independent, essential technical arm supporting the committee's work, particularly by ensuring the monitoring of the implementation of relevant measures, as well as by assisting member states in understanding and implementing their obligations under the relevant resolutions. Accordingly, the Kingdom calls on Council members to work constructively and urgently to reach a consensus on the appointment of the members of the panel of experts to complete its composition and enable it to begin carrying out its functions without delay. Mr. President, the need for an effective Committee and a fully functioning monitoring mechanism has assumed even greater importance in light of developments in our region over recent months. The Kingdom of Bahrain and a number of countries in the region have been directly subjected to the consequences of Iran's launch of ballistic missiles and drones, the targeting of civilians, civilian objects, critical infrastructure and energy facilities. as well as threats to the security and safety of navigation and international maritime routes. Highly sensitive facilities were also exposed to serious risk, including the Barakah civilian nuclear power plant in the sisterly UAE and the facility of the Gulf Petrochemicals Industry Company in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Such targeting could have had humanitarian, environmental and economic consequences extending far beyond the borders of the countries targeted. These developments are particularly significant in the context of our discussion today. The Iranian attacks seen in the region over the last few months specifically demonstrate the broader consequences of non-compliance and the importance of the Security Council to discharge its responsibilities to ensure that its resolutions are respected and implemented. They also reaffirmed the importance of having an effective committee and a fully functioning monitoring mechanism, including a panel of experts that is able to follow up on the implementation of relevant measures and verify potential instances of non-compliance. Taken together, these developments demonstrate that compliance is not merely a technical or procedural matter; it is directly linked to international peace and security. Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain believes that sanctions are not an end in themselves. Rather, they are one of the tools made available to the Security Council under the UN Charter to promote compliance with international obligations. At the same time, we reaffirm our support for diplomatic efforts to address the Iranian nuclear file, ensuring its exclusively peaceful nature, easing tensions, building trust and strengthening regional security and stability. The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency yesterday adopted a resolution concerning the Iranian nuclear programme, pursuant to which It addressed the issue of Iran's non-compliance with safeguards obligations. This resolution also highlighted the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue, combining the need to ensure compliance with international obligations, full cooperation with the Agency, and the continuation of the diplomatic track. The Kingdom of Bahrain considers such an approach to be the best path towards a sustainable resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue. to strengthen the non-proliferation regime and contribute to maintaining regional and international security and stability. The Kingdom of Bahrain calls on Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA to fulfil its international obligations and refrain from any action that could heighten tensions or undermine the security and stability of countries in the region. In conclusion, Mr. President, the Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its support for every serious diplomatic effort that might lead to a sustainable solution ensuring the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, strengthening security and stability, and laying the foundations for regional relations based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, the principle of non-interference in their domestic affairs, and good neighborly relations. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Bahrain for that statement, and I now give the floor to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

President, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to thank the French Presidency for convening this meeting. We are constantly prioritizing this matter as it contributes to the maintenance of international peace and security, all the while upholding the integrity and the proper functioning of the Council. We've taken note of developments which have occurred since September 2025 regarding what is happening on the Iranian nuclear file. We know that some of these developments have given rise to differences of opinion between members of the Council as regards their interpretation, how they are to be interpreted, and the implications thereof. Against this backdrop, We deem it key for these differences of opinion to be considered in the spirit of dialogue and responsibility, so as to uphold, in so much as is possible, the continuity and effectiveness of relevant Council mechanisms. It is with this in mind that the Democratic Republic of the Congo attaches particular importance to ensuring we uphold monitoring, information and verification capacities, allowing for the Council to have reliable and impartial information on which to base its considerations of this matter and decisions it takes thereon. The need for transparency and trust is also expressed through the role of the IAEA. As a States Party to the Pelindaba Treaty, which means that Africa is a nuclear weapons-free zone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reiterates the pivotal role of the agency. We encourage the IAEA to continue conducting its technical work in the spirit of impartiality, independence, and rigor. Moving beyond the nuclear issue, we are following with a keen interest the implications thereof for international peace and security. My delegation is disquieted by the deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East, as well as the potential knock-on effects beyond the region, in particular as regards maritime security, energy supplies and international economic stability. Confronted with these risks, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to call on all parties involved to exercise restraint and would also like to reaffirm our commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes. On this note, we would like to encourage further dialogue with a view to crafting a lasting, verifiable and mutually acceptable solution of the Iranian nuclear issue, as well as with a view to reducing regional tensions. Such a process should allow us to strengthen the safeguards necessary for all parties and to progressively restore trust, an absolutely vital prerequisite if we are to find a lasting solution to the matter. Mr. President, under the current circumstances, we remain convinced that dialogue, transparency and cooperation must continue guiding our collective action. As we underscored in our interventions on 12 and 16 March 2026, it is incumbent upon the Security Council to, insofar as is possible, to overcome its differences so as to ensure its work is effective, as is that of its subsidiary bodies. By way of conclusion, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to reassure you that For its part, we will continue supporting all efforts aimed at upholding the unity of the Council, promoting dialogue, and contributing to a peaceful solution in keeping with international law and respectful of the responsibilities falling to this body. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Liberia.

Thank you, Mr. President. We convene at a testing crossroad for international peace and the authority of this council, where divided interpretations over resolutions 2231 and 1737 continue to challenge our multilateral architecture. For small and developing nations like Liberia, The rules-based international order is not an academic luxury. It is our primary shield. While member states debate procedural timelines, legal contention must never serve as an alibi for oversight paralysis. As it continues to be the duty of this Council to maintain international peace and security, it is clear to Liberia that we are all in agreement that we cannot hope to make a nuclear file on the agenda of the Council safer by turning off the lights only to argue over who misplaced the switch. This is why Liberia appeals for practical vigilance anchored in the primacy of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Verification is the non-negotiable core of non-proliferation. Therefore, we urge timely, unhindered access and complete transparency for the IAEA to verify all material, facilities, and enrichment activities. Diplomacy without rigorous verification is not reassurance. It is a promise written in disappearing ink. Mr. President, Our concern is neither theoretical nor geographically distant. The African Union has consistently cautioned that instability in the Middle East carries severe global shockwaves. Strategic miscalculation thousands of miles away does not remain offshore. It arrives at the doorstep of a market woman in Monrovia as an unaffordable transport fare and a more expensive bag of rice. When nonproliferation falters, human security pays the toll everywhere. We, therefore, urge members to overcome the procedural impasse paralyzing subsidiary bodies and the Panel of Experts Reporting Mechanism. Disagreement over specific files must not hold collective security hostage. In closing, Mr. President, the purpose of this Council is not merely to mirror global divisions, but to breach them. Liberia calls for a disciplined diplomatic track, one that protects regional infrastructure from military escalation, restores full safeguard compliance, and secures a durable peace anchored in robust multilateral verification. I thank you.

I thank the I thank the representative of Liberia. I now give the floor to Greece.

Mr. President, allow me also to thank the Secretariat for its work in support of the Council and the 1737 Committee. Mr. President, we have consistently stressed that the reestablishment of the Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1737 was both valid and legitimate. Following the activation of the snap-back mechanism, the relevant Security Council resolutions were restored, and the obligations arising from them must be implemented by all Member States. The clear majority of Member States have reaffirmed this fundamental principle, as today's voting results again demonstrate. For these obligations to be fulfilled effectively, the committee must be equipped with the necessary tools to discharge each mandate. A functioning Panel of Experts is particularly important in this regard. Greece, therefore, supports the draft resolution and the proposed extension of the mandate of the Panel of Experts, and we consider the restoration of the Panel as an important step towards enabling the 1737 Committee to discharge its mandate effectively and ensuring full implementation of the Council's decisions. At the same time, implementation of the resolutions and sanctions measures forms only part of a broader effort aimed at achieving a diplomatic resolution of the Iran nuclear issue. Mr. President, Greece's position on Iran's nuclear program is unchanged. Iran must never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. The nature and scale of Iran's nuclear activities, together with outstanding questions regarding transparency, remain a matter of serious concern. The continued accumulation of highly enriched uranium underscores the urgency of restoring confidence in the exclusively peaceful character of the program. The role of the IAEA is therefore indispensable. Iran must cooperate fully and constructively with the Agency and provide all necessary access and information so that it can fulfill its verification responsibilities effectively and independently. Only sustained transparency and credible verification can provide the assurances required by the international community. Mr. President, we remain deeply concerned by the ongoing escalation in the region. There is an urgent need for a return to dialogue and the resumption of negotiations. Diplomacy remains the only viable path towards lasting peace and stability. Equally, respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, must remain at the center of our collective efforts. The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure is of critical importance. They must be protected at all times and must never become targets. At the same time, the stability of global and regional supply chains, particularly in essential commodities such as food products and fertilizers, depend on the preservation of freedom of navigation and the unhindered movement of international shipping. In this respect, we need to see an immediate return to the status quo ante, the right of transit passage through international straits, such as the Strait of Hormuz, as reflected in the UNCLOS must be fully respected. International shipping must remain free from impediments, threats, or measures inconsistent with international law. The same principle applies to other critical maritime routes, including the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The security of these maritime arteries is an essential element for international peace and security. There is ultimately no sustainable alternative to diplomacy and a return to negotiations. A comprehensive agreement, supported by effective verification and consistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, remains the best path towards addressing proliferation concerns and restoring regional stability. We encourage Iran to engage seriously and constructively in negotiations. capable of producing a lasting settlement, as well as providing clear, durable and verifiable assurances regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. Greece will continue to work constructively with all members of the Council to advance these objectives. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Greece for that statement and I now get the floor to the representative of Panama.

Thank you, Mr. President. We'd like to thank you for convening this meeting. Since the reestablishment of the 1737 committee, periodic reports have been prepared pursuant to the requirement to report to the Security Council every 90 days. However, these reports have not been able to be formally adopted. Against that backdrop, it is appropriate to consider the most recent draft report, since it provides an overview of the current status of the committee and, in particular, it allows us to assess to what extent the committee has been able to make progress in fulfilling its mandate. It is apparent from the draft report that the committee has faced constraints that have hampered the proper exercise of some of its functions, raising questions as to its ability to fully carry out the mandate entrusted to it. It must be recognised that the functioning of the committee cannot be viewed in isolation. since the 1737 committee forms part of the institutional and normative architecture of the United Nations sanctions regime. Consequently, the weakening of one of its components does not affect that component alone. Rather, it might undermine the robustness and effectiveness of the system as a whole. The effectiveness of that architecture depends precisely on the ability of each of its constituent bodies to properly discharge its functions of overseeing, coordinating and implementing the measures adopted by the Security Council. The political circumstances that have prevented the appointment of chairs of subsidiary bodies, thereby limiting the functioning of their committees, therefore have implications that go beyond procedural matters, since they affect the ability of those bodies to effectively fulfil their mandates. President, In this context, the measures adopted by the Security Council have implications that extend beyond the internal functioning of its bodies, since they must also be implemented at the national level. The Republic of Panama, pursuant to its responsibilities and in recognition of the binding nature of those measures, has adopted the relevant provisions to strengthen the capacity of both public and private sectors to implement international sanctions and prevent the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Indeed, the ability of the sanctions regime to translate the decisions adopted by the Security Council into measures that can be effectively implemented also hinges on technical factors. These factors also include the regular updating of sanctions lists, which we deem essential Indeed, their accuracy is necessary to facilitate their proper implementation by Member States. Outdated lists serve none of the parties concerned and can give rise to both practical and legal difficulties by placing States in the position of having to implement measures that do not always adequately reflect the current situation. Mr President, the Republic of Panama has reiterated in numerous fora its steadfast commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and recognizes that its objectives can only be achieved through effective verification and monitoring mechanisms. Foremost among these are the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency and, where appropriate, the mechanisms established by the Security Council in the area of non-proliferation. Therefore, we call on all Member States to preserve and strengthen those mechanisms so that they can fully, independently and effectively discharge their functions. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative for their statement and I now give the floor to the representative of Denmark.

Thank you, President. For convening today's meeting. We regret once again that the 1737 Committee has not been able to agree on its 90-day report. This continued inability to reach agreement undermines the Council's ability to carry out its responsibilities. Denmark's position remains clear. Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. We therefore strongly support continued diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear program and restoring genuine international verification. The effective work of the 1737 Committee is instrumental in this regard. We therefore deeply regret the continued disagreement over the status of the sanctions measures reinstated by the Security Council and the approach taken by some Council members who refuse to recognize that all sanctions against Iran were in fact reimposed last year. We are also concerned about the continued inability to appoint a chair of the 1737 Committee. This is particularly concerning as the mandate of its panel of experts is due to expire later this month. Without the functioning committee chair and effective monitoring mechanisms, the implementation of the sanctions regime is further weakened. Denmark has consistently engaged constructively in the work of the 1737 Committee. We call on all Council members to uphold their responsibilities, fully implement the relevant Security Council resolutions and ensure that the Committee can operate effectively in accordance with its mandate. We also regret how some Council members are using their opposition to the 1737 Committee to hold hostage the full and formal appointment of all subsidiary body chairs and vice-chairs. A solution is long overdue. Mr. President, we remain deeply concerned by Iran's lack of cooperation with the IAEA and by the Agency's inability to carry out the verification necessary to provide assurances regarding Iran's nuclear activities. There is no credible civilian justification for the amount of highly enriched uranium that Iran has produced. Even more worrying, for over a year, the IAEA has been unable to verify further enrichment activities due to the lack of access. This serious non-compliance with safeguard obligations cannot be normalized. We support the resolution adopted yesterday in the IAEA Board of Governors and join others in strongly urging Iran to restore full cooperation with the IAEA. Mr. President, we also remain deeply concerned about the wider regional security situation. Denmark calls on Iran to comply fully with Resolution 2817 cease attacks against countries in the region, and refrain from any action or threats that undermines freedom of navigation. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is not only a challenge for the region. The Strait is a critical international waterway, and its closure has global consequences. Disruption to global trade, rising energy costs, increasing food insecurity. The consequences are felt around the world, with the most vulnerable bearing the greatest burdens. Upholding international law, including international humanitarian law, must remain a priority for all involved parties. Civilians must be protected, and free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be restored. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Denmark for their statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Latvia.

And I thank the French presidency for convening this legally mandated meeting. I would like to start by stating the obvious and emphasize that the UN sanctions against Iran have been reimposed and remain in force. They reflect binding international law and all UN member states, including the members of this council, are obliged to respect and implement them. The 1737 Committee has also been re-established and is exercising its mandate, as reflected in its engagement on the relevant exemptions procedures, despite the unprecedented delay in the appointment of chairs of the Security Council's subsidiary bodies in 2026, preventing this Council from discharging its mandate. It is regrettable in this regard that we are again unable to reach an agreement on the 90-day report of the 1737 Committee. This follows the recent equally disappointing lack of agreement on new listings and a panel of experts. Mr. President, sanctions of the Security Council are a critical instrument under international law to curb unlawful behavior of states. Their reimposition has followed the continued and systematic failure by Iran to live up to its international binding obligations, most notably under the JCPOA, the NPT, and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. This week, the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna have decided to refer Iran's longstanding noncompliance to this council. and we sincerely hope that all members of this Council will take this referral seriously. Iran has withheld required access for IAEA inspectors. The IAEA has repeatedly stated that it has lost the continuity of knowledge on highly enriched uranium stockpiles in Iran. Enrichment Up to 60 percent has been previously reported, and this cannot in any way be reconciled with any peaceful purposes. Only unhindered access to IAEA inspectors to all relevant sites and the return to meaningful negotiations would comprise a legitimate starting point for a diplomatic process to lift existing sanctions on Iran. Mr. President, Instead of efforts to resolve these outstanding issues, Iran has been escalating further. Its neighbors have continued to suffer from unprovoked attacks. The regional security environment and conflict resolution efforts are undermined by its proxies, and we are all experiencing Iran's detrimental attempts to hold the global economy hostage. It has tried using an international waterway as leverage, in complete disregard of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. It has severely disrupted countless crucial supply chains, most notably that of fertilizers, putting millions of lives around the globe at risk of food insecurity. Iran must cease these reckless actions. The humanitarian consequences have been far too grave. Unfortunately, these are only the latest manifestations of Iran's destabilizing influence across the region and beyond. And we strongly condemn Iran's support to Russia and its aggression. terrorizing Ukrainian civilians, often with the same weapons Iran has been using against its neighbors in the Gulf. Mr. President, diplomacy remains the best instrument for achieving a comprehensive solution to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. Until then, the sanctions will remain in place. Efforts to dispute legal facts do not alter the obligations of all states under international law. Latvia will continue to constructively engage on this issue to uphold Council's decisions, including the 1737 sanctions regime, until the actions of Iran substantively change. Thank

you.

I thank the representative of Latvia for that statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Somalia.

Thank you, Mr. President. Somalia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the preservation of international peace and security. My delegation takes note of the divergent views among Council members regarding the committee established pursuant to resolution 1737. We believe that a measured, balanced, and principled approach is essential to address the concerns of all parties while preserving space for diplomacy. We underscore the primacy of the United Nations Charter and international law. Differences over legal and procedural matters should not prevent the Council from fulfilling its responsibility to maintain international peace and security. We therefore encourage all parties to engage constructively and in good faith to preserve the unity, credibility, and effectiveness of the Council. Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, we urge a return to the negotiating table and the resumption of sustained, meaningful, and result-oriented diplomacy. A negotiated settlement anchored in the relevant Security Council resolutions, consistent with international law, remains the only viable path to resolving outstanding nonproliferation concerns. Somalia recognizes the indispensable role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in verification and monitoring nuclear safety and the preservation of international stability. We underscore the importance of ensuring the agency can carry out its mandate independently, impartially, and effectively in accordance with its safeguard agreement and applicable international obligations. We further recognize the critical role of the IAEA in monitoring nuclear weapons material, including highly enriched uranium, and in clarifying outstanding questions concerning the location and status of such material. We therefore We reiterate our long-standing call for the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. We call upon all the states in the region, without exception, to join the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to fully comply with their international obligations. Such a zone would make an important contribution to regional confidence-building, non-proliferation, and lasting peace and stability. Mr. President, We express our deep concern that, nine months into 2026, the council remains unable to agree the appointment of chairs and vice-chairs. The prolonged deadlock follows the unprecedented delay in the appointment of chairs last year and marks the second consecutive year in which the allocation of those positions has been significantly delayed. We therefore urge all council members to demonstrate the flexibility, pragmatism and spirit of compromise that are necessary to resolve the matter without further delay. To conclude, Mr. President, the challenges before us require a collective, measured response rooted in dialogue, mutual respect, and a renewed commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and multilateralism. The fragile security environment demands restraint, de-escalation, and sustained diplomatic engagement. Somalia stands ready to engage constructively with all Council members. to chart a peaceful, diplomatic path forward that upholds the Charter, respects international law, strengthens the nonproliferation regime, and contributes to international peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Somalia for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Thank you, President. Pakistan remains deeply concerned at the situation in the region, marked by ongoing tensions hostilities and continued conflict. Recent developments have once again illustrated the fragility of the situation, the risk of escalation and the need for diplomatic settlement. The upsurge of violence in the Middle East in the last few days is quite unsettling for the prospects of peace in the region and beyond. Unfortunately, Renewed violence and breakdown of diplomacy have also impacted the consideration of the Iran nuclear issue, including by the Security Council. We reaffirm our support for the resolution of all outstanding issues, including Iran nuclear issue, through peaceful means, diplomatic engagement, and sustained dialogue. Pakistan is of the view that diplomacy and dialogue should remain the guiding principles for achieving a negotiated settlement of all contentious issues in accordance with the rights, obligations and responsibilities of the parties concerned. It is in that very spirit that from the outset, Pakistan has been undertaking constructive diplomatic engagement in supporting de-escalation ceasefire and the broader pursuit of stability in the region. And through sustained interaction at the leadership level, as well as with our active coordination with other partners in the region and beyond, we consistently sought to encourage dialogue, facilitate the exchange of messages, and help create space and conditions conducive to meaningful negotiations. Our approach underscores Pakistan's enduring commitment to regional stability and international peace, reflecting our preference for principled, dialogue-oriented diplomacy in addressing geopolitical challenges. We continue our efforts for the wider objectives of peace and security. President, given the necessary space, diplomacy can still deliver results in settling outstanding issues peacefully. To that end, sincere, earnest and painstaking work is required to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to this conflict and all outstanding issues, something that has been emphasized by many around this table even today. Pakistan urges all sides to exercise restraint and choose the path that delivers peace and security for all. Lastly, we remain concerned at the continued divisions in the Security Council and the resulting impasse that has also impacted the work of the Council's subsidiary bodies. We hope that members will show unity and shoulder our responsibility in overcoming this challenge and find common purpose in upholding international peace and security. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan. for the statement. And before giving the floor, I would like to very warmly welcome to the Security Council the Ambassador Mauricio Gona, the new permanent representative of Colombia. We are delighted to be able to work with you and your mission in the forthcoming years. And I now give you the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to thank you for your very warm welcome.

to call the attention of the Security Council on the issue, on the ineluctability of the issue before us. This snap mechanism is an operative mechanism. That being said, whether this snap mechanism reaches its goal of resolving the conflict among the parties does not rent the agreement that established it, much less a UN Security Council sanction in existence. Such an interpretation will jeopardize the ability of the Security Council to accomplish its goals. More than that, it threatens the stability of the international legal system. The Republic of Colombia.

The Republic of Colombia recognizes the reestablishment of the 1737 Committee and its panel of experts. All of the resolutions that followed resolution 1737, resolution 1831, 1937, and all of these resolutions are public international law and they should be respected as such. The alleged ineffectiveness of an operational function to resolve differences of opinion do not dilute the force of an international obligation under international law. International law is not law that is based on the interpretation of recurrent facts. Rather, it is based on respect for the principles underpinning it. since the Vienna Convention, the Vienna Convention reminds us of the good faith principle in the execution of contracts. This principle of good faith in such a crucial analytical area as international peace and stability, not only in the region, but on the entire world, and the possibility that all nations can check on the levels of enrichment of uranium at certain areas and up to a certain level in a treaty that Iran signed, this is a binding commitment. It should not be interpreted in any way through an operational mechanism or an inexistent norm of international law, particularly when this goes hand in hand with sanctions and the strength of the Security Council based on the UN Charter. For this reason, for the Republic of Colombia, there is no doubt that the sanctions regime is applicable, it exists, and the Council should remediate it as soon as possible so as to re-establish operationally the panel of experts and the sanctions committee. This is a part of its international mandate. As a member of the IAEA's Board of Governors, Colombia has also supported the decisions taken on the Iranian nuclear program, including the decision taken this week by the Board of Governors to refer the Agency's or the Board's decisions on the non-compliance by Iran to the Security Council and the most recent report of the Agency's Director General. Colombia supports the reestablishment of the 1737 Committee and its panel of experts. For us, this is not a merely political matter, rather a legal one, which is undeniable. The principles of international law must be respected. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Colombia for that statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Mr. President, We are compelled yet again to express our deep disappointment given that the majority of Security Council members didn't find they found neither the strength nor the courage to defend the decision they previously took. We're grateful to colleagues who did not support this attempt by a small group of countries to undermine the authority of the Security Council so as to serve their short-term political interests. President, today the Council is yet again meeting for a ritual briefing on a non-existent agenda item. The fact the meeting is being held is not only a flagrant procedural breach, it's also inefficient use of the precious time and resources of the Council. Today's meeting doesn't have an object. The Security Council has not taken any decisions on reactivating Security Council anti-Iranian resolutions, including the reestablishment of the 1737 committee. As for the infamous snapback mechanism set forth in Resolution 2231, When that resolution was still in force, it has not been triggered. We will not delve into the details why the UK, France, and Germany had no right to invoke that mechanism. We've said and stated those repeatedly. Anyone interested can refer to our numerous interventions on this matter, as well as the detailed legal analysis which was jointly prepared by Russia, China, and Iran, and disseminated at the Council and the GA last year. What we will say is that Resolution 2231 expired as per the resolution's provisions itself, and this happened on the 18th of October, 2025. On that very date, the non-proliferation agenda item was struck off the list of items the Security Council is seized of. In other words, the Security Council formally concluded its consideration of the Iranian nuclear program. No illegal steps taken by the UN Secretariat in violation of Article 100 of the Charter, including the reinstatement of the 1737 Committee's website and its sanctions list. None of those will change the facts. Against this backdrop, we'd like to underscore yet again that Russia will not permit the Security Council to take any decisions that legitimize assertions about a snapback that supposedly took place. Similarly, we'll continue to block attempts to revive the 1737 Committee. Russia will continue defending both the integrity and the need to unstintingly comply with all previous Security Council decisions about the Iranian dossier. We call on Western colleagues to give up on their illegal aspirations to reinstate these and to cease their obstruction of the Council's regular functioning, first and foremost as regards its legitimate subsidiary bodies. President. It's worth noting that the briefings, like today's briefing, have zero added value, neither procedural nor political. Holding such briefings has nothing to do with the endeavor of maintaining international peace and security. Those initiating such meetings, those who continue to reside in an alternative reality of their own making, are reciting their well-known fabrications about the Iranian nuclear program, nothing else. Their methods include deliberately distorting the reporting of the Director General of the IAEA, including the reporting which the Council no longer has a mandate to cover. They also use the basic ignorance of the situation of the ground. Were our Western colleagues genuinely interested in upholding the global non-proliferation regime, then they would directly name the source of the direct threats thereto. The United States not only provoked the crisis surrounding the implementation of the JCPOA by unilaterally withdrawing from that agreement in 2018, the US also resorted to the use of force. Together with Israel, they conducted a whole series of strikes on Iranian peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards. These illegal and reckless actions, Washington's and Western Jerusalem's actions, risked provoking a large-scale catastrophe with unpredictable consequences for the entire Middle East. They were an attempt to undermine the credibility of the NPT and the safeguards system which underpins it. They are precisely what hindered the IAEA's inspectors' uninterrupted verification activities on the territory of Iran. And this And despite the above, Tehran has expressed its readiness to continue cooperation with the IAEA Secretariat on this matter. Nonetheless, European delegations are not only not calling a spade a spade, they are either pretending that nothing happened, that nothing is happening, or, what's worse, they are supporting aggressive actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its nuclear facilities, shifting all blame for what's happening over to Tehran. At the same time, Western countries are continuing to artificially whip up tensions, both in New York and in Vienna. The latest example of this was the politicized IAEA Board of Governors resolution adopted yesterday, which, by the way, does not imply any procedural consequences for the work of the Security Council. No one who promoted and put forward this resolution cares about any of that. And yet, the UK and France are so cynical that they continue to speak about their commitment to the search for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear programme issue. However, over the last 18 months, these countries' efforts on this front have been ineffectual, as has been made obvious to all outside observers. President, The Russian Federation categorically repudiates attempts to manipulate the authority of the Security Council to settle political scores with Tehran. Such irresponsible actions make the prospect of a negotiated solution a more far-off prospect, a solution which could help achieve a sustainable settlement to the conflict in the Persian Gulf, as well as help to dispel misconceptions and suspicions about the Iranian nuclear program. We stand convinced that agreements on this issue are only possible if they are underpinned by a carefully calibrated equilibrium of interests and due regard for the lawful rights of Iran. We urge Western states to stop fueling the flames of escalation. We are counting on all states, states who are ready to engage constructively, that all these states will continue taking steps to create favorable conditions for swiftly putting the situation back on a political settlement track. The Russian Federation, as always, is ready for this. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for the statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you to France in your capacity as President of the Security Council for convening this meeting. and for doing so, despite those in this Council who seek to undermine the work of this committee. One year ago, the Council decided to reestablish the 1737 Committee. This vote represented a widely held concern amongst members about an Iranian nuclear program progressing in the dark, without the international community's visibility. The Council therefore chose to establish this committee with a specific, narrowly scoped mandate to oversee, in support of the six reinstated Security Council resolutions, the implementation of the sanctions measures, a sanctions list, and reports every 90 days. Those efforts persist even as obstructionist colleagues remain determined to obscure public visibility into sanctions violations and evasions. This interference aims to allow Iran to maintain its noncompliance with respect to its NPT-mandated safeguards and to protect its partners who violate sanctions under the 1737 regime. In his latest report just this week, IAEA Director Grossi said that the agency has not received information from Iran regarding the status of its declared nuclear materials or facilities. The IAEA did not have access to any of the facilities to conduct in-field verification activities. The Director General said this lack of accessibility left the agency unable to discharge its safeguard responsibilities under Iran's safeguards agreement. He once again called on Iran to engage the agency constructively. In response to Iran's claims that Iran has not allowed IAEA inspections out of concerns for the safety of its inspectors, DG Grossi noted that, quote, Ukraine has been a worse and more constant war zone." End quote. Yet those inspectors have still managed to carry out inspections at nuclear facilities throughout the war between Russia and Ukraine. This week, the IAEA's meeting of the Board of Governors, the IAEA board voted to approve a resolution that urges Iran to urgently come into compliance with its safeguards agreement. We call on Iran to take all necessary steps by the agency and the board, including the information on the previously declared nuclear material and access to facilities. Iran and its supporters on this committee are well aware of what Iran needs to do to resolve this issue. The United States will continue to promote the broadest possible international compliance with the state obligations mandated by this Council's resolutions. We will look to partners in the coming days to weigh options to ensure that there is sufficient infrastructure in place to support that goal. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States for that statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of China.

President, China voted against the procedural motion on the adoption of the agenda. We regret the outcome of the vote. It has been over two months since the United States and Iran signed the MOU. However, the MOU was undermined shortly after it took effect. With the military frictions among the parties concerned continuing, dialogue and negotiations have yet to be put on the agenda. Now that the 60-day window set by the MOU has expired, the United States has intensified unilateral sanctions against Iran and launched a new round of military strikes against the country. With the two countries trading attacks, tensions in the region have once again heightened. seriously undermining efforts by parties to promote talks for peace. China is gravely concerned and deeply worried about the situation. I wish to make the following points. First, it's essential to pursue a political settlement through dialogue and consultations. Recurring hostilities in the Middle East have caused severe harm and losses to the peoples of all countries, including Iran. The spillover effects continue to expand. undermining the common interests of the international community. The parties concerned should refrain from resorting to the threat or the use of force, resume the implementation of MOU as soon as possible, and bring the Iranian nuclear issue back to the track of a political and diplomatic settlement. In an effort to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, conclude a peace agreement, and pursue a political and diplomatic settlement to the Iranian nuclear issue, parties should seek the greatest common ground that accommodates the reasonable demands of all. Second, it's essential to aim at addressing both the symptoms and the root causes, while focusing on tackling the root causes. The United States' unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA, its use of force against Iran twice during the negotiation process, and its pursuit of a policy of maximum pressure against Iran are the primary causes of the current complex and intractable situation in the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear issue. The parties concerned should not confuse cause and effect. The United States should commit to refrain from further use of force, engage in sincere negotiations with Iran, and ensure the effective implementation of any future new agreement. The parties concerned should manage their relations on the basis of equality and mutual respect, work to de-escalate the current situation, and seek a comprehensive solution. Third, it's essential to uphold the principles of objectivity and impartiality and to take a balanced approach to nuclear nonproliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy. In addressing the Iranian nuclear issue, we must reject the double standards and respect the legitimate rights and interests of the parties concerned. Iran, as a non-nuclear weapons state party to NPT, has the legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. China acknowledges Iran's repeated commitments not to develop nuclear weapons. China supports the United States and Iran in resolving their differences through rational and pragmatic negotiations, ensuring that Iran conducts its peaceful nuclear activities in an orderly manner under strict IAEA safeguards, and eliminating the risk of nuclear proliferation. Fourth, it is essential to base judgment on the merits of the matter, oppose the abuse of sanctions, and reject the instigation of confrontation, distorting the historical context of the Iranian nuclear issue, ignoring the difficulties Iran faces in resuming safeguards monitoring and verifications, insisting on the Council reimposing sanctions against Iran. and forcing the Council's intervention in the Iranian nuclear issue do not help parties build trust or bridge differences. Under current circumstances, the Security Council should play a constructive role and foster a positive and conducive atmosphere for dialogue and negotiations. Certain members should immediately cease using the Security Council to advance their own political agendas and avoid creating new obstacles to the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. President, recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a four-point proposal on improving the common security of the Middle East. Following President Xi's four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, this marks yet another contribution by China towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region. China always stands firmly on the side of peace, on the side of dialogue. and on the right side of history. As a participant in the JCPOA and a permanent member of the Security Council, China will continue to work with all parties to make unremitting efforts to advance a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, uphold the international nuclear nonproliferation regime, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East. Thank you, President.

I thank the representative of China for the statement, and I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of France. We regret that, once again, the 1737 Committee has not been able to submit its report, as, however, is provided by the Council resolutions on the Iranian nuclear programme, which were reinstated almost one year ago. They were so reinstated in accordance with resolution 2231 due to the serious repeated violations by Iran of its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action 2015. Today, the Iranian nuclear program continues to represent a grounds for serious concern to international peace and security. More than one year ago now, Iran suspended all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency in flagrant violation of its safeguards obligations. Consequently, Agency inspectors have been denied access to Iran's sensitive nuclear facilities and the Agency has lost all visibility over the status of Iran's enriched nuclear materials. It should be recalled that the accumulation of this stockpile of more than 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium to 60% has no credible civilian justification. It represents a potentially sufficient quantity to produce around 10 explosive nuclear devices. In its latest report, the Director General of the IAEA underscored that this situation, and I quote, "raises an issue of proliferation and should be addressed with the greatest urgency." These concerns led the IAEA's Board of Governors on 9 September, that was yesterday, to once again refer this matter concerning Iran's violations of its comprehensive safeguards agreement under the Non-Proliferation Treaty to this Council. We take note of this referral, and I would like to specify that paragraph 2 of resolution GOV/25/21, adopted by the Board of Governors asks the Director General of the IAEA to report to the Security Council. In this context, it remains essential for the 1737 Committee to ensure the implementation of the resolutions reinstated by this Council. It is essential that the Council give the Committee the means to carry out its work. In this regard, we support the draft resolution prepared by the US to renew the mandate of the Panel of Experts. We also remain in favour of the recruitment of the experts for this panel, and we regret that two members of this Council have thus far prevented this from happening. The implementation of the reinstated resolutions is an essential part to encouraging Iran to return compliance with international obligations and to commit to serious negotiations on limiting its nuclear programme. We reaffirm our support for a diplomatic solution, which alone can provide a viable resolution to the Iranian nuclear question. We will continue to support the efforts undertaken to reach a robust, verifiable and lasting agreement guaranteeing the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program. In this spirit, we call on all parties to avoid a fresh escalation, to work for the full and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and to resume negotiations for a lasting peace in the region. France stands ready, when conditions will allow, to contribute to ensuring safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, thanks to the independent, neutral and strictly defensive multinational military mission that we have launched with the United Kingdom. I resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.