Iran’s nuclear escalation is a threat to international peace and security: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Security Council

The United Kingdom voted against the draft resolution.

First, as this Council knows, Iran is defying the global non-proliferation regime. Iran’s nuclear escalation, as detailed in over 60 IAEA reports over the past six years, is a threat to international peace and security.

Iran’s actions mean that the IAEA is unable to confirm that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. Among the steps Iran has taken is the accumulation of a High Enriched Uranium stockpile which lacks any credible civilian justification and is unprecedented for a state without a nuclear weapons programme.

Second, we have engaged tirelessly in diplomatic efforts to resolve concerns and bring Iran back into compliance with its commitments under the JCPoA.

We regret that Iran has continued to block progress in