Iran, Russia, and China declare nuclear deal terminated in UN letter

Iran, Russia, and China have formally declared the termination of the nuclear agreement with Tehran through an official communication sent Saturday to the United Nations secretary-general andthe Security Council. The joint letter effectively concludes the Council's consideration of Iran's nuclear program while criticizing European powers for their handling of the agreement's final stages.

Legal challenge to the European position

The three nations specifically challenged what they characterized as a "legally and procedurally flawed" attempt by the United Kingdom, France and Germany - collectively known as the E3 - to activate the snapback mechanism that would have reinstated UN sanctions against Iran. The letter argued that these European parties "lack the standing to invoke its provisions" having themselves ceased to fulfill their commitments under both the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

Termination timeline

According to the communication, all provisions of Resolution 2231 reached their predetermined conclusion on October 18, 2025, in accordance with the resolution's operative paragraph 8. The Iranian Foreign Ministry separately confirmed that the 10-year period defined by the resolution, originally adopted on July 20, 2015, had officially expired, terminating all restrictions and mechanisms related to Iran's nuclear program as of that date.

Diplomatic framework

The three countries urged all parties to maintain commitment to finding a political settlement through diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on mutual respect. They specifically called for refraining from unilateral sanctions, threats of force, or any actions that could escalate regional tensions. This development follows the E3's August 28 announcement activating the snapback mechanism, which itself came after the United States' unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement.