The United States has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take a unified stance against Iran’s nuclear activities, citing a significant increase in Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
During a closed-door meeting on Wednesday, the UNSC discussed a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which revealed that Iran’s uranium enrichment had reached 60% purity—just short of the 90% needed for a nuclear weapon.
US Accuses Iran of Violating International Safeguards
In a statement following the meeting, the US mission to the UN accused Iran of “flagrantly defying” the Council and violating IAEA safeguards.
“The Council must be clear and united in addressing and condemning this brazen behavior,” the statement read, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to former President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure strategy” aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has pushed for a new nuclear agreement with Iran. However, Tehran has rejected negotiations, citing ongoing economic sanctions as a barrier to any deal.
Trump’s Direct Appeal to Khamenei
Trump confirmed that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging negotiations and warning of possible military action if Tehran refuses to engage.
Iranian media reported Wednesday that Tehran had received the letter, while Khamenei dismissed US threats as “unwise”, reiterating that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons. He also accused the US of attempting to “deceive global public opinion” by portraying itself as willing to negotiate while keeping sanctions in place.
UN Security Council and the ‘Snapback’ Mechanism
At the UN headquarters in New York, Britain’s Deputy UN Ambassador James Kariuki hinted at the possibility of activating the “snapback” mechanism, which could reimpose international sanctions on Iran.
“We are clear that we will take any diplomatic measures to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and that includes the use of snapback if needed,” Kariuki told reporters.
Britain, France, and Germany had already sent a letter to the UNSC in December, warning that they might resort to the snapback provision.
China to Host Nuclear Talks With Iran and Russia
Meanwhile, China announced on Wednesday that it would host three-way nuclear talks with Iran and Russia later this week. The move signals Beijing’s increasing involvement in nuclear diplomacy, which could influence global negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
Background: Iran’s Nuclear Deal and Trump’s Withdrawal
Iran initially reached a landmark nuclear agreement in 2015 with the US, UK, China, France, Germany, and Russia. The deal aimed to limit Tehran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief. However, Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018 during his first term, reinstating heavy sanctions on Iran.
As tensions escalate, global leaders continue to debate the best approach to addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions while maintaining international security.