New york: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the United Nations Security Council, condemning the European countries’ decision to activate the snapback mechanism, labeling it illegal and damaging to the Council’s credibility.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi’s remarks came after a UN Security Council meeting, which discussed a Russia-China drafted resolution to extend Resolution 2231 for six months. Araghchi emphasized that under U.S. pressure, the Council rejected the proposal, marking the second instance within a week where diplomatic efforts were thwarted.

Araghchi recounted Iran’s history as a compliant participant in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was endorsed by Resolution 2231. He criticized the United States for unilaterally withdrawing from the JCPOA in 2018 without justification, despite Iran’s adherence to the agreement. He also accused the European trio (E3) of failing to uphold their commitments, whic
h forced Iran to adopt lawful remedial measures.

The Iranian Foreign Minister accused the U.S. and E3 of misrepresenting Iran’s nuclear program while ignoring Israel’s nuclear arsenal. He highlighted the lack of condemnation for attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and scientists, attributing these actions to U.S. and Israeli collusion.

Araghchi praised Russia and China for their responsible actions in proposing an extension of Resolution 2231 to sustain diplomacy. He criticized the U.S. and E3’s rejection of this proposal, asserting that their actions indicated a preference for confrontation over dialogue.

He declared the snapback mechanism illegal and invalid, urging the Security Council President to declare it as such and called on the UN Secretary-General to avoid involvement in reviving expired sanctions. Araghchi warned that pursuing this path could damage the UN’s credibility and have humanitarian consequences for Iran.

He concluded by emphasizing that military and snapback strategies have failed,
advocating for dialogue as the sole solution. Araghchi asserted that Iran would not yield to pressure and called for respect-based engagement, placing the responsibility for current tensions on those who violated international law.