UN Spokesperson Urges JCPOA Members to Seize Opportunity for Diplomacy

Kokcha News Agency – In response to a joint letter from Iran, Russia, and China to the UN Security Council and Secretary-General, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving disputes related to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The letter criticized the European trio—France, Germany, and the UK—for activating the snapback mechanism, which they argue violates the JCPOA and UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

Dujarric, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, stated that while the UN is not a party to the JCPOA, Secretary-General António Guterres’ message is clear: all parties should use this opportunity to intensify diplomatic efforts. He noted that the Security Council is the body responsible for making decisions on this matter.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Ambassador to the UN, Sang Jin Kim, who currently chairs the Security Council, acknowledged the differing interpretations of Resolution 2231 among member states. He stated that informal discussions have been held within the Council, but significant gaps in understanding remain. Ambassador Kim emphasized the need for transparent, honest, and close consultations with all relevant parties.

The European trio formally notified the Security Council on August 28, 2025, of their activation of the snapback mechanism, which could reinstate sanctions against Iran. They also expressed readiness to negotiate with Iran within the next 30 days to halt the process. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, immediately sent a letter to the Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, denouncing the move as a misinterpretation of the JCPOA and Resolution 2231. Araghchi called on the Council to reject political maneuvering and uphold international law.

In a separate joint letter, the foreign ministers of Iran, Russia, and China reiterated their opposition to the European trio’s actions, stating that the notification lacks legal basis and should be considered null and void. They emphasized that the path forward lies in mutual respect, not coercion.