UN Security Council Reimposes Strict Sanctions On Iran Over Nuclear Program

The United Nations Security Council voted Friday to restore sweeping economic sanctions on Iran in response to its advancing nuclear activities, following a joint appeal from Britain, France, and Germany.

The three European powers, signatories to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) designed to block Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, said Iran has violated its commitments under the accord.

During Friday’s session at UN headquarters in New York, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed he had presented a “fair and balanced” offer to European governments aimed at averting the renewed penalties.

After casting her vote against a measure to prolong the suspension of sanctions, British Ambassador Barbara Woodward urged Tehran to comply with its obligations. “We urge (Iran) to act now,” she said.

Woodward also emphasized that opportunities for diplomacy remain open, pointing to next week’s UN General Assembly gathering of world leaders in New York.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reacted ambiguously, stating, “The international community’s goal must remain unchanged: to prevent Iran from ever acquiring nuclear capabilities.”

Sa’ar’s remarks stopped short of openly applauding the move.