19.09.2025 Explanation of Vote by Denmark on Snapback-mechanism pursuant to resolution 2231 (Iran)
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Thank you, Mr. President,
And at the outset, let me thank you the Presidency for presenting this draft resolution in line with the procedures described in resolution 2231.
I also wish to welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Iran to this meeting.
Mr. President,
10 years ago, a landmark diplomatic achievement was realised.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) demonstrated what is possible when political differences are set aside. When the international community unites in common cause.
Regrettably, it has become clear that Iran has been in significant non-compliance with its commitments under the agreement for most of the past decade.
This has been documented in more than 60 reports by the IAEA. On this backdrop, we are extremely worried about the fact that the Iranian nuclear programme with its accumulation of highly enriched uranium stockpiles lacks any credible civilian justification and is unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme.
The suspension of the sanctions regime on Iran in 2015 was a key element of the JCPoA. As a European country, Denmark witnessed - and supported - the extraordinary efforts that the EU and European countries put into its negotiation and its implementation.
We did so, guided by a firm belief in the power of diplomacy.
Today, that belief remains.
Mr. President,
The E3 have remained steadfast in their commitment to resolve the dispute with Iran without having to impose sanctions. Iran has been offered many opportunities to engage constructively, to avoid the situation we are in today.
Most recently, Iran has had nearly two months to address E3’s immediate concerns. Concerns that we fully share.
Regrettably, Iran has decided not to do so.
Our overarching objective is clear: to ensure that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon. Despite our differences, we are all united by this common goal.
For this reason, Denmark decided to vote no to this resolution.
Denmark supports the activation of the snapback as a consequence of Iran’s actions and non-compliance with the JCPoA.
In closing,
Denmark remains fully committed to a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear issue. We encourage Iran to accept the conditions set by E3 and urge Iran to return to the negotiating table in good faith.
Our belief in diplomacy remains. We remain committed to reaching a negotiated solution to the Iran nuclear issue. This vote does not close the door to diplomacy – it opens the door for diplomacy. There is still time for Iran to change its nuclear course. We strongly urge Iran to do so.
I thank you