The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, also known as the Iran nuclear deal, is officially defunct as of midnight tomorrow, following a UN Security Council vote where a draft resolution to extend the JCPOA for six months failed. UN sanctions against Iran will be reimposed on Saturday evening, September 27th, 2025, after 4 nations voted in favor, 9 against, and 2 abstained on the resolution proposed by Russia and China. This action comes in response to the decision by France, Germany, and the UK to trigger the "snapback" mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions. This development signifies the end of an era of nuclear diplomacy with Iran, which has led to significant nuclear advancements by Tehran, prompting U.S. and Israeli strikes. According to the report, Iran continues to deny IAEA inspections of its nuclear facilities, a violation of its NPT obligations, shifting the monitoring task to intelligence agencies. The report emphasizes the need for increased vigilance over illicit procurements and foreign assistance to Iran's program from Russia, China, and North Korea. Positively, the reimposed UN sanctions will restore multilateral restrictions on Iran's arms, drone, and missile programs, as well as designations against over 80 proliferation-sensitive entities and officials, including travel bans and inspections of illicit shipping. The nuclear restrictions, such as bans on Iranian enrichment and reprocessing, and restrictions on nuclear trade, will be preserved from expiration. This marks a return to a containment policy for Iran, now supported by a credible threat of force. The report suggests that Israel and the U.S. aim to preserve the gains made in setting back Iran's nuclear program potentially by years, while leaving the door open for continued diplomacy, contingent on Tehran's choice to change its behavior or face further ruin for its people. In related developments, Iranian official Araghchi stated on September 26th, 2025, that international inspectors were present in Iran and performing their duties, though reports indicated they were at the TRR facility and not at damaged sites. Araghchi also expressed distrust in the United States following an attack. Iran's Foreign Minister addressed the UN Security Council, holding the U.S. and the European Troika responsible for the consequences of a UN Security Council resolution. Supreme Leader Khamenei issued a statement asserting that negotiation or confidence with certain parties is impossible. Meanwhile, reports indicated that the price of the dollar in Iran reached 6,000 following the activation of a trigger mechanism and the return of sanctions. Increased truck movement was observed at Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, suggesting potential rebuilding of its nuclear and ballistic missile program.
