UN Security Council Triggers “Snapback” to Reinstate Sanctions on Iran
(September 19, 2025)
On September 19, 2025, the UN Security Council approved activating the “snapback” mechanism, reinstating all international sanctions imposed on Iran since 2015 due to its violations of nuclear commitments. The move, led by the E3—Britain, France, and Germany—argued that Iran is enriching uranium to levels with no civilian purpose. Tehran rejected the decision as lacking legal basis, while the United States and Israel welcomed it. As part of the “snapback” mechanism, the resolution failed to pass, with nine countries voting against it, 4 for it, and two abstaining, clearing the path for sanctions to be restored by the end of the month.
The Security Council,
Recalling the Statement of its President, S/PRST/2006/15, and its resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008), 1929 (2010), 2224 (2015) and 2231 (2015),
Taking note of the letter dated 28 August 2025 (S/2025/538) which contains notifications made pursuant to paragraph 11 of resolution 2231 (2015) by France, Germany and the United Kingdom respectively of an issue that they each believe constitutes significant non-performance of commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA),
Recalling the decision of the Security Council in paragraph 11 of resolution 2231 (2015) that if, within 10 days of receiving such a notification, no Member of the Security Council has submitted a draft resolution to continue in effect the terminations in paragraph 7 (a) of resolution 2231 (2015) for a vote, then the President of the Security Council shall submit such a draft resolution and put it to a vote within 30 days of receiving the notification,
Taking into account of the views of the States involved in the issue giving rise to the aforementioned notifications, and noting the efforts undertaken pursuant to paragraph 13 of resolution 2231 (2015) to resolve the issue,
1. Decides, acting under Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations, that the provisions of resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008), 1929 (2010) and 2224 (2015) remain terminated.
Source: “UN Security Council Meetings & Outcomes Tables,” United Nations, (September 19, 2025).
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