Arms Embargo and Key Sanctions Reinstated After Western Trigger
The United Nations has officially reimposed an arms embargo and a series of sanctions on Iran, effective Saturday evening. The move came after Britain, France, and Germany triggered a mechanism at the UN Security Council, citing Iran’s violations of the 2015 nuclear agreement.
These sanctions include a ban on arms sales, uranium enrichment, and ballistic missile activities, along with travel bans and asset freezes targeting Iranian individuals and entities. All UN member states are now authorised to seize materials related to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Iran, which denies any intent to develop nuclear weapons, reacted strongly. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged the UN Secretary-General to block the reactivation of the Sanctions Committee and the Panel of Experts. “Tehran will not recognise or comply with any attempt to extend or enforce these sanctions,” Araqchi said in a statement posted on X.
Diplomatic Fallout and Economic Impact Deepen Crisis
Iran has recalled its ambassadors from Britain, France, and Germany for consultations. President Masoud Pezeshkian, however, stated Iran will remain within the Non-Proliferation Treaty framework. Russia also opposed the move, calling the reimposition “unlawful and unenforceable.”
The UN Security Council’s website was updated to reflect the return of the sanctions, marking a formal end to one of the core pillars of the 2015 nuclear deal.
European nations had offered Iran a delay in sanctions for up to six months in exchange for cooperation with UN inspectors and new talks. But that window appears closed.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised that diplomacy remains open. “A new deal is still possible,” he said, urging Iran to engage in direct talks. Meanwhile, Iran’s rial fell to a record low of 1,123,000 per US dollar, reflecting deepening economic fears.
