Iran JCPOA compliance and UN sanctions enforcement

The situation regarding Iran’s adherence to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has transitioned from a period of maintained compliance to the enforcement of international sanctions.

Following the United States’ withdrawal from the JCPOA in May 2018, Iran initially maintained its nuclear commitments for one year despite the reintroduction of ‘maximum pressure’ sanctions. During this time, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) certified that Iran kept uranium enrichment rates at 3.67%, maintained stockpiles below 300 kilograms, and allowed continued inspector access.

However, following Tehran’s continued non-compliance with nuclear commitments, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom initiated a ‘snapback’ mechanism to reactivate six United Nations Security Council resolutions. In response, the United States and partners of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) have reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing these UN sanctions to prevent the transfer of materials, technology, or weapons—including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—that could assist Iran’s nuclear activities or weapon delivery systems.