UN Security Council Fails to Halt Snapback, Iran Faces Reinstated Sanctions

The United Nations Security Council failed on September 19, 2025, to pass a resolution that would have prevented the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran, confirming the activation of the "snapback mechanism." This development means that all UN sanctions lifted under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are set to be automatically reinstated, marking a significant escalation in international pressure on Tehran. Reza Pahlavi, a prominent opposition figure, stated that this action places Iran "in the midst of another wave of global sanctions."

The snapback mechanism was triggered last month by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (E3) due to Iran's non-compliance with its nuclear commitments, including the accumulation of highly enriched uranium stockpiles. A resolution to prevent these sanctions, put forth by South Korea, received only four votes in favor—from China, Russia, Pakistan, and Algeria—falling short of the nine required for adoption. The United States, along with several European nations, voted against the resolution, ensuring the snapback's activation.

Reza Pahlavi directly attributed the impending crisis to the Iranian leadership, stating, "The Islamic Republic and its unwise leader have once again placed Iran on the verge of another wave of global sanctions." He further criticized the regime, asserting, "Khamenei and his corrupt regime, however, have not given and do not give the slightest importance to the fate of Iran and Iranians." Pahlavi accused the regime of squandering billions of dollars on nuclear ambitions and proxy groups while the Iranian populace endure severe economic hardship.

The reimposition of sanctions is expected to exacerbate Iran's already struggling economy, which faces widespread poverty, high unemployment, crippling inflation, and a depreciating national currency. The Iranian rial has recently hovered near all-time lows against the US dollar. Pahlavi expressed deep concern for the Iranian people, noting, "My heart and mind are with you. I know you stand under the burden of hardship and suffering: widespread poverty and unemployment, crushing price increases, reduced purchasing power, and the daily fall of the national currency."

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including an "actionable plan" presented by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a breakthrough to avert the sanctions did not materialize. The E3 maintained that Iran had failed to adequately cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Pahlavi concluded his statement with a call for national unity, urging Iranians to "stand up to reclaim Iran and put an end to four decades of sanctions and war under this regime."