UN Security Council Meets on Iran’s Nuclear Program Amid Escalating Crisis

The UN Security Council will convene this Tuesday afternoon (June 24, 2025) for the final scheduled update regarding the implementation of Resolution 2231 (2015), which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for Iran’s nuclear program. According to UN sources, “the meeting occurs at a particularly critical juncture following unprecedented military operations between Israel, Iran, and the United States, threatening years of diplomatic efforts.” Rosemary DiCarlo, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, will present the latest report from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concerning the resolution’s implementation, distributed to council members on June 19 (S/2025/397). Ambassador Samuel Zbogar of Slovenia, as coordinator for Resolution 2231, and EU representative Stavros Lambrinidis will also provide updates. The U.S., despite initially participating in JCPOA, has since withdrawn. This session marks the last mandatory update before Resolution 2231 expires on October 18, 2025. Reports indicate that its goals have not been fully achieved. Tensions escalated after Israel attacked Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, prompting retaliatory ballistic missile and drone strikes by Iran against Israeli cities and infrastructure. Casualties include over 400 deaths and 3,000 injuries in Iran and 24 fatalities with over 1,200 injured in Israel. On June 21, the U.S. struck key Iranian nuclear sites, followed by Iranian retaliation against U.S. bases in Iraq and Qatar. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed damage but noted uncertainty about uranium stockpiles. At an emergency meeting on June 22, Secretary-General Guterres condemned escalating military actions as a ‘dangerous curve,’ warning of potential uncontrollable retaliation cycles. Members are expected to reiterate familiar stances, with E3 countries emphasizing non-proliferation concerns while Russia, China, Algeria, and Pakistan criticizing Israeli and American attacks. With Resolution 2231 nearing expiration, UN insiders warn of risks beyond unchecked conflict to total non-proliferation regime collapse.