Iran says it will halt cooperation with IAEA after UN blocks sanctions relief

ISTANBUL

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Saturday said it will suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after the UN Security Council voted against permanently lifting sanctions on Tehran.

In a statement carried by state-run Press TV, Iran’s top security body condemned what it called “ill-considered” moves by Britain, France, and Germany – known as the E3 – regarding Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran insists is peaceful.

On Friday, the UN Security Council failed to adopt a draft resolution aimed at preventing the “snapback” of sanctions on Iran that were lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The draft resolution, submitted by South Korea in its capacity as the council president this month, sought to maintain sanctions relief by deciding that provisions from earlier council sanctions resolutions "remain terminated."

It failed to secure the required nine votes for adoption, with Russia, China, Pakistan, and Algeria voting in favor, while Guyana and South Korea abstained.

Nine members of the council, namely the UK, France, Denmark, Slovenia, Sierra Leone, Panama, the US, Greece, and Somalia, voted against.

The UK, France, and Germany, known as the E3, are signatories to the 2015 nuclear agreement, which placed limits on Iran's nuclear activities.

Under the pact, endorsed by the UN Security Council, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors to verify that its nuclear program served only peaceful purposes.

On Aug. 28, the E3 countries triggered the "snapback" mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which will restore sanctions in 30 days if Iran fails to meet its obligations.

ISTANBUL

It failed to secure the required nine votes for adoption, with Russia, China, Pakistan, and Algeria voting in favor, while Guyana and South Korea abstained.

Nine members of the council, namely the UK, France, Denmark, Slovenia, Sierra Leone, Panama, the US, Greece, and Somalia, voted against.

The UK, France, and Germany, known as the E3, are signatories to the 2015 nuclear agreement, which placed limits on Iran's nuclear activities.

Under the pact, endorsed by the UN Security Council, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors to verify that its nuclear program served only peaceful purposes.

On Aug. 28, the E3 countries triggered the "snapback" mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which will restore sanctions in 30 days if Iran fails to meet its obligations.