Nournews: Just hours after the European troika announced in a statement early Sunday the return of UN sanctions against Iran and welcomed the reactivation of Resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008), and 1929 (2010), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a strong legal statement. It declared that Iran rejects the claim by the three European countries and the United States regarding the reinstatement of prior resolutions that were terminated under Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015) and emphasizes that no obligations are created for UN member states, including Iran. This statement demonstrates that Iran continues to uphold its principles in defending nuclear rights and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The statement clearly supports Iran’s legal and diplomatic positions against political and military pressures.
Seyed Abbas Araqchi, Foreign Minister, also stressed in a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council President that the Islamic Republic of Iran firmly rejects the reinstatement of allegedly terminated resolutions under Resolution 2231 (2015), and neither Iran nor any UN member state is obliged to comply with such illegal actions.
Clarifying a Legal Misstep
The statement issued by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to the attempt by the three European countries (Germany, France, the UK) and the United States to reinstate lifted sanctions, emphasizes that these actions are illegal and unjust. Iran has unequivocally stated that according to UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA, these sanctions should have ended on October 18, 2025. The statement regards Western pressures and their tacit support for military actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities as inconsistent with international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty framework.
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing the Islamic Republic’s good faith in resolving disputes through diplomacy and dialogue based on two decades of JCPOA compliance experience, has stated that Iran will not adhere to these recent decisions and will employ all legal and diplomatic tools to pursue its rights.
A key aspect highlighted in the statement is the legal principles and provisions of Security Council Resolution 2231, which led to the JCPOA. The resolution envisaged the termination of nuclear sanctions against Iran after 10 years. Accordingly, Iran considers any attempt to reinstate these sanctions not only legally baseless but also in conflict with accepted international principles.
The statement stresses that although Western countries are attempting to reactivate these resolutions under various pretexts, no legal obligation exists for UN member states, including Iran, regarding these terminated resolutions. Iran has called on the international community to refrain from recognizing this illegal situation and to counter any efforts that violate this international agreement.
Countering Military Aggression and Human Rights Violations
The statement also refers to actions by Western countries, particularly the United States and Israel, against Iran’s nuclear facilities in 2025. These military attacks, which occurred in June–July 2025, not only damaged nuclear sites but also resulted in the martyrdom and injury of several military commanders, nuclear scientists, and some Iranian citizens. Iran condemned these actions and stated that such attacks constitute blatant violations of international law and may carry severe legal and international consequences for the aggressors.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will firmly exercise its rights to pursue these crimes through international channels and seek compensation. This section of the statement is particularly a strong message to Western parties that Iran is prepared to defend its national rights and people against any aggression, using all available legal and diplomatic tools.
A positive aspect of the statement is Iran’s commitment to diplomatic and legal processes in resolving nuclear disputes. Iran has consistently expressed its readiness to achieve its nuclear rights under international agreements, including the JCPOA. According to the JCPOA, Iran fully complied with its obligations between 2015 and 2019 and was prepared to return to its commitments if Western parties fulfilled theirs.
Despite repeated JCPOA violations by the U.S. and other Western countries, Iran has continuously tried to maintain the space for returning to mutual commitments. However, Iran’s efforts have often been met with lack of seriousness and bad faith from Western states.
Alongside legal and diplomatic measures, Iran has also worked to maintain engagement with the IAEA. Various understandings with the Agency demonstrate that Iran remains committed to diplomacy and is ready to resolve nuclear issues logically, fairly, and equitably.
Iran’s Firm Response to External Pressures
The statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demonstrates the Islamic Republic’s resolute stance against sanctions and external pressures. Iran, rejecting claims by Western countries—especially the European trio—declares that any move to reinstate sanctions is illegal and unjust. This position not only preserves national dignity and nuclear rights but also signals to the world that Iran upholds its principles and will stand firmly against any pressure.
Citing international law, Iran has clearly and firmly presented its legal and diplomatic mechanisms. This approach serves not only as a legal response to hostile Western actions but also as a diplomatic model demonstrating Iran’s firmness and resolve on the global stage.
In conclusion, the statement of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reflects an effective legal defense of nuclear rights and national sovereignty. Iran, referencing international documents, rejects the recent Western actions, emphasizing that these measures are not only illegal but also morally and logically unacceptable. This stance represents a strong and steadfast step to protect Iran’s national interests and assert its right to peaceful nuclear energy. The legal defense serves as a clarifying action in Iran’s nuclear diplomacy, based on international law and using diplomatic and legal tools to counter external pressures.
NOURNEWS