9 June 2026 20:54 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government says Iran nuclear expansion weakens non-proliferation

Key points

Iran expanded its nuclear programme without credible civilian justification
Full implementation of reinstated UN sanctions is essential

TL;DR

UK Government says the meeting occurs at a time of heightened tension in the region and that both sides must show restraint.
UK Government states Iran has continued to expand its nuclear programme without credible civilian justification and has accumulated over 400kg of high enriched uranium.
UK Government reports the IAEA is unable to draw safeguards conclusions for Iran, citing sustained gaps in monitoring, lack of credible cooperation, refusal of access to nuclear sites, and inability to verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.
UK Government urges full and effective implementation of six reinstated UN Security Council sanctions, calls for compliance by all Member States, and regrets that Russia and China continue to impede the sanctions.

Original text

We meet at a time of heightened tension in the region. As my Foreign Secretary said, the resumption of conflict between Iran and Israel is in no one’s interest. Both sides must show restraint. For over two decades, the international community has sought clarity and assurance about the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s proliferation activities. Instead, Iran has continued to expand its nuclear programme in ways that lack any credible civilian justification. Iran is the only state without nuclear weapons to accumulate over 400kg of high enriched uranium, as well as persistently fail to meet its safeguard obligations. Iran’s failure to cooperate fully with the IAEA erodes confidence and raises serious questions about intent. The IAEA’s reporting from May on Iran’s safeguards implementation was damning. The Agency is unable to draw safeguards conclusions for Iran, citing sustained gaps in monitoring, a lack of credible cooperation on longstanding issues, including refusal of access to nuclear sites, and an inability to verify the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. That trajectory is deeply troubling. It risks further weakening the global non-proliferation regime at a time when it is already under strain. Against this backdrop, the full and effective implementation of reinstated UN sanctions remains essential. The sanctions measures contained within the six reinstated UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 1737, are targeted measures to constrain Iran’s proliferation and protect international security. They impose a ban on nuclear technology and materials, and impose asset freezes on key individuals and entities linked to Iran’s enrichment programme. All UN Member States are obliged to comply fully and without exception. Those seeking to evade or undermine these measures should cease immediately. Any efforts to dilute the restrictions weakens our collective security. President, we regret that Russia and China continue to impede the sanctions which this Council is entrusted to uphold. We urge all members of the Council to act in good faith so that the Committee can fulfil its mandate effectively, including through the agreement of 90-day reports and appointments to the Panel of Experts. We also call for the prompt appointment of a Chair, and we look forward to the Secretary-General’s report on the implementation of resolution 2231. President, our objective remains unchanged. IAEA reports are clear about Iran’s non-compliance, and we are clear in our purpose: we want to see a negotiated settlement that provides verifiable assurances of a peaceful nuclear programme. The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to a lasting and sustainable diplomatic solution that ensures Iran never develops a nuclear weapon.

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