This evening at 8:00 p.m. EDT, the United Nations reinstated sanctions and other restrictions on Iran, acting under six UN Security Council Resolutions: 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, and 1929. This move follows what has been described as Iran’s “significant non-performance” of its nuclear commitments. The snapback process began on August 28, 2025, with France, Germany, and the United Kingdom taking the lead.
The renewed measures address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile activities, conventional arms transfers, and actions considered destabilizing by the international community. The resolutions require Iran to halt uranium enrichment as well as activities related to heavy water and reprocessing. They also prohibit Iran from using ballistic missile technology and impose an embargo on conventional arms exports to the country. Additional steps include travel bans and asset freezes targeting specific individuals and entities associated with Iran. Furthermore, the resolutions authorize seizure of weapons or prohibited cargo being transferred by Iran to both state and non-state actors.
The Security Council reaffirmed its decision to restore these restrictions on September 26 after initially deciding on September 19. According to a statement in the announcement: “The Security Council’s decision on September 19 – reaffirmed on September 26 – to restore these restrictions sends a clear message: the world will not acquiesce to threats and half measures – and Tehran will be held to account.”
President Trump reiterated that diplomatic engagement remains possible: “President Trump has been clear that diplomacy is still an option—a deal remains the best outcome for the Iranian people and the world. For that to happen, Iran must accept direct talks, held in good faith, without stalling or obfuscation. Absent such a deal, it is incumbent on partners to implement snapback sanctions immediately in order to pressure Iran’s leaders to do what is right for their nation, and best for the safety of the world.”
The restored UN sanctions are intended as both a signal of international resolve regarding nuclear nonproliferation efforts and a mechanism for increasing pressure on Tehran toward renewed negotiations.
