Security Council Resolution on Technical Extension of Resolution 2231

On September 26, 2025, the UN Security Council rejected a Russian-Chinese proposal to delay sanctions on Iran, triggering the automatic “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal. The resolution sought to delay the snapback of sanctions by six months, until April 18, 2026, with the possibility of further extension, to allow more time for diplomacy. It welcomed a recent agreement between Iran and the IAEA, encouraged continued engagement, and urged all JCPOA participants to resume negotiations on nuclear-related issues immediately. The text emphasized the importance of a negotiated solution while technically extending the JCPOA framework’s ten-year term. The resolution failed with 9 voting against, 4 in favor, and 2 abstentions, clearing the path for sanctions to be automatically applied the next day.

Below is the full text of the resolution.

Recalling its resolution 2231 (2015),

Acknowledging the importance of finding a negotiated diplomatic solution to the issues related to resolution 2231 (2015),

Recognizing the necessity of allowing additional time for negotiations on this matter,

Welcoming the recent agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency,

Decides to technically extend for 6 months, till 18 April 2026, the ten-year term after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Adoption Day, indicated in resolution 2231 (2015) and its Annexes, with a possibility for a further extension;
Encourages the continuation of the engagement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency;
Urges all initial participants of the JCPOA to immediately resume negotiations on the matters related to the resolution 2231 and the JCPOA.

Source: “UN Security Council Meetings & Outcomes Tables,” United Nations, (September 26, 2025).