The United Nations Security Council voted on September 19, 2025, to reinstate economic sanctions against Iran, citing ongoing concerns about its nuclear program. This decision reverses the sanctions relief previously granted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
A resolution proposed by South Korea, which sought to prevent the automatic "snapback" of previous UN sanctions, failed to pass. The vote saw nine members oppose the relief, four in favor, and two abstentions, resulting in the automatic reinstatement of prior UN sanctions resolutions. These measures impose restrictions on Iran's uranium enrichment activities, as well as prohibitions on arms, finance, and shipping.
The European trio—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—had initiated the snapback process in late August, citing Iran's non-compliance with the JCPOA. They pointed to Iran's accumulation of highly enriched uranium, expansion of its nuclear-enrichment infrastructure, and a perceived lack of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as key reasons for their action. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, countered these accusations, asserting that European nations displayed political bias and that Iran had presented a "reasonable and actionable plan" to address concerns, maintaining its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The historical context includes the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, which led to the re-imposition of sanctions. The UN arms embargo on Iran expired in October 2020, but Iran's placement on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) blacklist in October 2024 continued to create financial scrutiny. The sanctions have significantly impacted Iran's economy, contributing to unemployment and inflation, with estimated decreases in export revenue between 2012 and 2014 amounting to $17.1 billion.
This decision occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, including past Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The reimposition of sanctions marks a critical juncture, potentially escalating regional instability and presenting a significant international challenge in managing nuclear proliferation.