10 July 2026 14:48 UTC · UK Government · GOV.UK Speech · Source · Email X Link

UK Government says Iran must take verifiable steps

Key points

Calls for de-escalation and return to diplomacy
Demands verifiable Iranian cooperation with the IAEA

TL;DR

Condemns recent Iranian attacks and stands with Gulf and regional partners.
States the snapback process was completed on 28 September 2025 and Council resolution 2231 remains in force, restoring a binding two-way arms embargo.
Calls for clear, verifiable Iranian cooperation with the IAEA and offers UK support for translating the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding into a lasting diplomatic settlement.

Original text

We meet at an important moment, following the signing of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding last month. The United Kingdom condemns the recent Iranian attacks in the region and on commercial shipping. We will continue to stand in solidarity with our Gulf and regional partners. The fragility of the current situation underscores the urgent need to keep the diplomatic process on track. We stand with our partners in calling for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. And we welcome reports that both sides are returning to talks. Colleagues, the UK’s longstanding concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme remain relevant and serious. As a result of Iran’s significant non-performance of its JCPoA commitments, the United Kingdom, alongside France and Germany, triggered the snapback process. That process was completed on 28 September 2025. As a result, Council resolution 2231 remains in force, and this Council should continue to remain seized of the Iranian nuclear issue. The provisions of the six resolutions that were previously lifted have also come back into effect, including a binding two-way arms embargo. We call on all UN Member States to fully comply with the provisions of the relevant resolutions. The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding underscores that Iran shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. That requires clear, verifiable, and meaningful steps by Iran, including full cooperation with the IAEA and effective monitoring of all nuclear material and facilities. Verification is not a technical detail. It is central to trust, to confidence, and the long-term success of any agreement. The end result must be a negotiated settlement that strengthens international and regional security, that prevents nuclear proliferation, and provides the international community with confidence that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. We are prepared to respond positively to credible, verifiable progress by Iran. And the UK stands ready to support efforts to help translate the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding into a lasting diplomatic settlement and to address the difficult issues that remain.

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