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12.03.2026 Statement for briefing on Iran 1737 committee

Who Permanent Representative, Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen
Who Permanent Representative, Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen
When 12.03.2026

Checked against delivery

 

Thank you, Mr. President,

 

for convening this meeting. We regret that the 1737 committee was unable to agree on the 90-day report due to the unwillingness of some Council members to recognise the decision that the Council took in September last year on the snap-back mechanism.

 

Let me begin by expressing Denmark’s deep concern with the continued escalation of the situation in the Middle East. We are witnessing a further destabilisation of the already volatile and tense situation with grave consequences for the people across the region and for international peace and security. We are deeply concerned about reports of increasing civilian casualties and displacements.

 

We call for maximum restraint and respect for international law, including international humanitarian law. We call for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and for negotiations to be resumed in good faith.

 

Furthermore, Denmark strongly condemns Iran’s continued attacks on countries in the region and beyond. These attacks must stop. We express our full solidarity with all the countries concerned. That is also why Denmark co-sponsored and voted in favour of the resolution presented by Bahrain on behalf of the GCC and Jordan yesterday. We were pleased that resolution 2817 was adopted.

 

Madam President,

 

When it comes to Iran’s nuclear aspirations, Denmark has always been clear. Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. As we watch the current escalations unfold, we are reminded why this is so important.

 

We are deeply concerned by Iran curtailing cooperation with the IAEA, which has lost continuity of knowledge, and for almost 9 months now has been unable to provide information on the status or whereabouts of the enriched uranium stockpiles in Iran. As the IAEA has stated, this is a matter of proliferation concern and of compliance with Iran’s NPT Safeguards Agreement.

 

 

The IAEA’s latest report, which predates the current escalation in the region, confirmed that Iran continued to deny the Agency access to a number of nuclear facilities. This is not in line with Iran’s NPT legally binding safeguard obligations and is deeply alarming. We see no credible civilian justification, neither for accumulating nor for hiding highly enriched uranium stockpiles.

 

Last year, the E3 legitimately activated the Snapback-mechanism and following the vote in the Security Council, all sanctions against Iran were reimposed.

 

We call on Iran and all UN member states to fully comply with the six reinstated Security Council resolutions.

 

Madam President, in closing,

 

Denmark has and will continue to engage constructively in the work of the 1737 committee. We regret that the Council has not yet agreed on a chair of the committee which is holding hostage the full operation of all subsidiary organs. This significantly hampers the ability of this Council to execute its mandate.

 

We stand ready to engage with all Council members to reach a solution as soon as possible.

 

I thank you.