The United Nations has reinstated sanctions on Iran, including an arms embargo and restrictions on uranium enrichment, after European powers triggered a process citing Tehran’s violations of the 2015 nuclear agreement. The sanctions, restored through Security Council resolutions passed between 2006 and 2010, officially came back into force late Saturday, deepening tensions across the Middle East.
Britain, France, and Germany justified their move by accusing Iran of expanding its nuclear activities beyond agreed limits, while Tehran strongly rejected these claims and denied seeking nuclear weapons. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged the UN Secretary General to block any attempts to revive the sanctions committee, insisting Tehran would not recognize enforcement of the measures.
In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Tehran would not leave the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it would respond firmly to what it views as unlawful action. Iran also recalled its ambassadors from Britain, France, and Germany, signaling a new diplomatic standoff with Europe. Meanwhile, Russia openly opposed the sanctions, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warning that they were “unlawful” and risked escalating instability in the region.
European powers, however, emphasized that diplomacy remains an option. They said sanctions could have been delayed had Iran granted access to UN nuclear inspectors, addressed concerns about enriched uranium, and engaged constructively with Washington. The foreign ministers stressed that their countries will continue pursuing negotiations but urged Tehran to avoid escalation and return to compliance with international obligations.
The sanctions reimposition also carries significant economic consequences for Iran, whose rial currency plunged to a record low of 1,123,000 per US dollar on Saturday. Alongside the arms embargo, restrictions now include travel bans, asset freezes, and bans on activities linked to nuclear technology or ballistic missile development. All UN members are authorized to seize prohibited materials, further tightening Tehran’s international isolation.