Iran, Russia, and China have formally informed the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council that the nuclear deal with Tehran, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, is officially terminated following its predetermined 10-year expiration on October 18, 2025. The joint letter asserts that the conclusion of Resolution 2231 effectively marks the end of the Security Council’s consideration of the Iranian nuclear issue, stressing that this outcome contributes to strengthening the authority of the Council and the credibility of multilateral diplomacy.
The three countries sharply criticized the recent attempt by the UK, France, and Germany (the E3) to activate the “snapback mechanism,” which would have automatically reimposed UN sanctions on Iran. The letter condemned the move as “legally and procedurally flawed,” arguing that the European parties lacked the standing to invoke the mechanism’s provisions because they had “ceased to perform their commitments” under both the JCPOA and Resolution 2231, particularly following the US’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018.
The termination of all provisions, restrictions, and mechanisms related to Iran’s nuclear program comes despite the E3’s consistent efforts to seek a diplomatic solution, which included an offer in July 2025 to extend the snapback deadline in exchange for a resumption of talks and greater transparency. Iran and its allies have used the expiry to urge all parties to focus on finding a political settlement through diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on mutual respect, while refraining from unilateral sanctions or threats of force.
