UN Security Council Reinstates Sanctions on Iran Over Nuclear Agreement Violations

On September 28, 2025, the United Nations Security Council reinstated comprehensive sanctions on Iran, responding to allegations from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany that Tehran violated the 2015 nuclear agreement. The reinstated measures encompass bans on arms sales, uranium enrichment, and ballistic missile activities, alongside restrictions on travel, asset holdings, and uranium-related commercial activities.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), established in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 nations (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany), aimed to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions. Key provisions included capping uranium enrichment at 3.67% purity, reducing enriched uranium stockpiles, limiting the number of centrifuges, and granting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access for compliance verification.

However, the UK, France, and Germany have accused Iran of exceeding agreed-upon enrichment levels, accumulating more enriched uranium than permitted, and utilizing advanced centrifuges beyond the agreement's stipulations. These alleged violations prompted the European nations to invoke the JCPOA's dispute resolution mechanism, leading to the UN's decision to reinstate sanctions.

The reinstated sanctions, originally imposed between 2006 and 2010, include:

• Arms Embargo: Prohibition on the sale or transfer of arms to and from Iran.

• Uranium Enrichment Ban: Restrictions on Iran's ability to enrich uranium beyond specified levels.

• Ballistic Missile Activity: Bans on activities related to the development of ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

• Travel and Asset Freezes: Restrictions on travel and freezing of assets for individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

• Commercial Activities: Limitations on commercial activities related to uranium mining and production.

In response, Iran recalled its ambassadors from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom for consultations. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of a "harsh response" to the sanctions. Despite the escalating tensions, Iran reiterated its intent to remain within the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), emphasizing its commitment to peaceful nuclear activities.

International reactions have been mixed. Russia condemned the sanctions as illegitimate, arguing that they undermine diplomatic efforts and the integrity of the JCPOA. The United States, while not directly involved in the European-led initiative, expressed support for measures ensuring Iran's compliance with international agreements.

The reinstated sanctions are likely to exacerbate Iran's economic challenges, affecting sectors such as oil exports, banking, and foreign investments. The United States Oil Fund (USO) and the United States Brent Crude Oil Fund (BNO) have shown minimal changes in their prices, indicating a cautious market response. However, the long-term economic impact on Iran could be significant, potentially leading to increased inflation and unemployment.

The sanctions may also heighten tensions in the Middle East, influencing relationships between Iran and neighboring countries. The move underscores the complexities of enforcing international agreements and the challenges in balancing diplomatic negotiations with punitive measures.

This development marks a significant moment in international efforts to curb nuclear proliferation. As diplomatic tensions escalate, the global community watches closely to see how Iran and other nations navigate the renewed restrictions and their broader implications.