EXPLAINED: UNSC decides not to lift sanctions on Iran. What does it mean for Tehran’s nuclear programme?

An effort to prevent the reinstatement of ‘snapback’ sanctions against Iran, triggered by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in late August, failed at the Security Council. Despite weeks of diplomatic discussions to reach an agreement, the initiative received support only from China, Russia, Pakistan, and Algeria. The move implies that the previous sanctions against Iran will not be lifted, impacting Tehran’s nuclear program. The snapback mechanism would have allowed previous sanctions to be reimposed on Iran, but the unsuccessful resolution means that this will not occur. This outcome has significant implications for the future of diplomatic relations with Iran and the handling of Iran’s nuclear activities.