New York, September 27, 2025 – The Europe Today: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has strongly criticized the reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Iran under the so-called snapback mechanism, describing the move as both “immoral and illegal.”
Speaking during a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Friday, Pezeshkian said the return of sanctions came despite Iran’s compliance and opposition from Russia and China. “The implementation of the snapback mechanism and return of sanctions, despite Iran’s compliance and opposition from Russia and China, is both immoral and illegal,” he declared, urging the UN chief to use his position to prevent such measures.
The remarks followed the UN Security Council’s rejection of a joint proposal by China and Russia to extend sanctions relief for six months under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). As a result, the sanctions are set to be reimposed on Tehran this weekend, effectively ending the JCPOA framework.
During the meeting, Pezeshkian also expressed appreciation for Guterres’ efforts to promote peace and his stance on Israel’s war in Gaza. However, he sharply criticized the UN Security Council for what he described as its failure to take even minimal steps to halt what he called the occupying regime’s “genocide” in the besieged Palestinian territory.
For his part, Guterres voiced hope that a diplomatic solution could still be reached in the remaining days before the snapback mechanism takes effect, to prevent the reinstatement of sanctions. He also pointed to the UN’s efforts to condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza and highlighted the heavy toll on the organization, noting that hundreds of UN staff members have been killed during the war.
