We deeply regret today’s veto of the Iran Panel of Experts mandate renewal: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council
The UK expressed regret after Russia and China vetoed the renewal of the UN Security Council’s Iran Panel of Experts mandate, citing Iran’s non-compliance with nuclear obligations and sanctions monitoring gaps.
The UK Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh, delivered a statement following the Security Council vote, acknowledging the US’s role in supporting the Iran Panel of Experts mandate. She highlighted the Council’s long-standing concern over Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, which date back to the establishment of the 1737 sanctions committee in 2006. The UK emphasized that Iran’s refusal to cooperate with the IAEA and its expanding nuclear activities without credible civilian justification remain unresolved threats requiring international oversight.
Ambassador MacIntosh noted that the Panel of Experts, created in 2010, provides critical independent advice to ensure sanctions effectiveness. She reiterated that Iran continues to breach its legal obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation regime, undermining the Council’s efforts to prevent nuclear weapon acquisition. The UK condemned Russia and China’s veto, framing it as a decision to shield Iran and weaken the Council’s monitoring capabilities.
The UK pointed to Russia’s prior veto in March 2024 of the 1718 Panel of Experts for the DPRK, which ended 14 years of sanctions monitoring expertise. It alleged that Russia and China’s actions facilitate sanctions evasion by Iran and the DPRK, including through the exchange of Iranian-designed drones and North Korean ballistic missiles to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. The UK stressed that these vetoes reduce the Council’s ability to assess sanctions implementation but do not invalidate the sanctions themselves.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to a diplomatic resolution and strengthening the global non-proliferation regime. It stated that sanctions against Iran’s proliferation activities remain fully in force for all UN Member States. The UK called for continued collaboration with partners to uphold these measures and prevent Iran from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons.