Explanation of Vote by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia following the UNSC Vote on a Draft Resolution on the Iranian Nuclear Program
Mr. President,
We have already made clear our principled position today: we reject any attempts by European states to launch the “snapback” mechanism, as well as the supporting actions of the presidency, including the submission of this resolution. Our position in this regard remains unchanged, and the Russian Federation’s vote in favor of the draft should not be misinterpreted as a change in that position.
We supported the draft for one reason only: its sole operative paragraph provides for maintaining relief from UN sanctions for Iran. This is the only correct, politically and legally sound decision, and one for which there is no alternative – a position we have consistently advocated for years. The very framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was built on the gradual lifting of all restrictions against Iran, and we are firmly convinced that no valid reason exists for them to remain in force beyond October 18, 2025. The rule of law, the “letter and spirit” of the JCPOA, and the principles of diplomacy dictate that it is immoral, unjust, and illegal to exert pressure on a sovereign state through political blackmail and brute military force – as we all witnessed with the aggressive actions by Israel and the US against Iran this past June – and then to “finish it off” with the UN sanctions.
However, this is precisely what our Western colleagues are now attempting to do. Let us recall that everything, including Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA, was proceeding as planned until 2018, when the US embarked on a destructive path by officially withdrawing from the “deal.” This very withdrawal acted as a “trigger” for the current crisis around the JCPOA, forcing the Council to now grapple with the consequences – a fact our Western delegations studiously ignore. Despite Washington’s unlawful and heavy-handed actions, Tehran exercised considerable restraint and for over a year – I emphasize, over a year – continued to honor its commitments in good faith. Only in response to another spiral of pressure did Tehran take reciprocal measures, while consistently stressing that these actions could be reversible. Unfortunately, already at that point, our European colleagues showed no interest in returning to diplomacy and refused to engage in meaningful dialogue, squandering a clear opportunity in 2022 when the parameters for restoring the JCPOA were on the table.
The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have long demonstrated a chronic pattern of violating their obligations under Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA. These violations span from their failure to ensure Iran received the promised economic dividends from the lifting of EU sanctions in place prior to 2015, to their illegal decision to reimpose unilateral sanctions after the JCPOA Transition Day on October 18, 2023.
Russia has repeatedly made its position clear to the Council: the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have no right to invoke the “snapback” mechanism stipulated in operative paragraph 11 of Resolution 2231. A party that does not comply with its obligations under any treaty or agreement forfeits its right to use the instruments provided by that agreement. This principle is unequivocally affirmed by the “clean hands doctrine,” the principle of pacta sunt servanda, and advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice.
Against this backdrop, the so-called “notification” from the E3 to launch the “snapback,” circulated in the Council on August 28, has no legal or procedural force. As such, it cannot serve as a valid basis for any decisions or actions by the Security Council. This position is laid out in detail in the joint letter from the foreign ministers of Russia, China, and Iran, which was also circulated on August 28.
We must emphasize once again: in our view, no “snapback” procedure is taking place. The very submission of this draft resolution is a flagrant violation of Resolution 2231, of which the JCPOA is an integral part. Therefore, the Russian Federation will not recognize the validity of any alleged action, or any steps that follow.
Let us remind the Council that there is a viable alternative to the disregard for the law we are witnessing in this chamber today – the joint Russian-Chinese draft resolution, which is already “in blue.” It provides for a six-month technical extension of Resolution 2231, while calling for all original JCPOA participants to immediately resume negotiations in pursuit of a diplomatic solution. We urge all responsible members of this Council to support this draft when it is brought to a vote.
Thank you.
