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EU Statement – UN Security Council: Briefing on Non-proliferation

10.07.2026
New York

10 July 2026, New York - Statement by the European Union by H.E. Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, on behalf of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at the UN Security Council Briefing on Non-proliferation

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Mr President,

  1. Thank you for giving me the floor. I am honoured to address the Council today, on behalf of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. I would also like to thank Secretary General António Guterres and the Secretariat for their work related to the implementation of Resolution 2231. We take note of the 21st report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of resolution 2231.

     

  2. The European Union welcomed the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran and encourages continuation of negotiations, which would provide an opportunity for regional stability and the full restoration of freedom of navigation and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz. This is essential for regional stability and the global economy.

     

  3. We commend Pakistan, Qatar and other regional partners for their mediation. We firmly believe that diplomacy is the only way to sustainably resolve all outstanding concerns, including on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programmes and its destabilising activities in the region. Parties should continue engaging in good faith in efforts to reach a sustainable agreement and can count on Europe to support diplomacy. The EU has decade-long expertise negotiating with Iran, on the nuclear file and beyond, and is ready to use its sanctions-lifting leverage provided Iran changes its behaviour on the ground in a verifiable way. 

     

  4. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in line with UNSCRs 2231 (2015), 1929 (2010) and 1803 (2008), will continue to engage to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.

     

  5. Despite all diplomatic efforts, Iran’s escalating nuclear trajectory over the last six years constitutes an urgent and profound nuclear proliferation concern in the region. As of June 2025, Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% comprised 440 kg. The International Atomic Energy Agency has been unable to further verify and, for 2025, cannot draw any safeguards conclusion with respect to nuclear material previously declared due to Iran’s persistent lack of cooperation. IAEA Director General has reported that the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge regarding the previously declared inventories of nuclear material in Iran and its enrichment capacities, including low and highly enriched uranium. 

 

  1. Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. We call on Iran to return to full compliance with its legal obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and its binding comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. It is critical and urgent that Iran re-establishes full cooperation with IAEA to allow the monitoring of clear and verifiable steps that Iran should take in relation to negotiations on its nuclear programme.

     

  2. The EU fully supports the impartial role of the IAEA and its Director General in their critical work to uphold the implementation of safeguards, nuclear safety and security and to provide clarity on Iran’s nuclear programme. 

 

  1. The High Representative will remain engaged with all relevant parties, including Iran, and spare no effort to support political and diplomatic efforts to find a negotiated solution in all areas of concern, and to promote conditions for greater regional cooperation.