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26.09.2025 Explanation of Vote by Denmark on Snapback-mechanism pursuant to resolution 2231 (Iran)

Who Permanent Representative, Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen
Who Permanent Representative, Ambassador Christina Markus Lassen
When 26.09.2025

Checked Against Delivery

 

Thank you, Mr. President,

And let me also start by welcoming the Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to this meeting.

Mr. President,

Last week, the Security Council decided to reimpose sanctions against Iran.

Despite Denmark’s hope for a breakthrough in the negotiations before the deadline, we regret that the intensive diplomatic efforts this past week, including at the highest level, have not borne fruit.

We have still not seen the necessary steps from Iran that would enable us to support an extension of the provisions of resolution 2231. Especially not unconditionally, as today’s draft resolution had proposed. It is also problematic that the draft resolution did not call for Iran’s return to full cooperation with the IAEA.

Adopting today’s draft resolution would serve only to prolong a situation that is fundamentally untenable. Therefore, Denmark’s position remains the same today as last week.

As we have previously expressed, we are deeply concerned about Iran’s nuclear programme and its accumulation of highly enriched uranium stockpiles, which lack any credible civilian justification.

Iran has been in non-compliance with the JCPoA since 2019 and the expiration date of the agreement has been known to all of us for the past decade.

The activation of the snapback mechanism was not a hasty decision, nor was it taken lightly. But there was no alternative in this situation.

For these reasons, Denmark voted against this draft resolution.

Mr. President,

Our vote should not be mistaken for opposition to diplomacy. Quite the contrary.

It is because we value genuine negotiations that we could not support a text that in our view undermined the possibility for ensuring a result that delivers on the overarching goal: that Iran must never acquires a nuclear weapon.

Extending deadlines does not strengthen diplomacy. Delays do not encourage compromise.

Denmark’s strong belief in the power of diplomacy remains – also after the sanctions are re-imposed. We sincerely hope that Iran will change its nuclear course and return to the negotiating table in good faith.

I thank you.