Mr. President

We thank for the possibility to address the Security Council today. I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for her valuable briefing on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).

We greatly appreciate the Council’s continued engagement on the critical issue of the Iranian nuclear programme, which poses a threat to peace and security which requires collective attention.

The JCPoA, endorsed by Resolution 2231 over ten years ago, was a landmark agreement that successfully concluded years of negotiations.

The recent Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States was a diplomatic breakthrough. We thank all those involved, including Pakistan, Qatar and all other mediators, on this achievement. We condemn Iran’s recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and against regional states and strongly encourage to continue the negotiations.

In these uncertain times, it is essential to emphasize the following: a verifiable agreement that addresses the urgent concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities is indispensable.

Germany, together with its E3 partners, stands ready to support negotiations as well as the implementation of future agreements with diplomatic and technical means.

We are furthermore prepared to assess and support lifting nuclear-related sanctions, but only after concrete, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear programme and Iran’s return to full compliance with its legally binding obligations under the NPT and all relevant Security Council resolutions.

Until we reach this decisive point, we must continue to ensure that established United Nations procedures, such as the 1737 Sanctions Committee, remain intact.

Allow me to highlight the following two points:

First, we deeply regret that two members of the Security Council continue to block any progress regarding the implementation of the reinstated Security Council resolutions, whether it be updating the sanctions list or establishing a Panel of Experts. We deeply regret that the United Nations as a whole and the Security Council in particular are undermined by this approach.

Second, we reiterate the essential role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran must resume full cooperation with the Agency, allow its inspectors access, and disclose the location and quantity of all enriched nuclear material, in particular the stockpile of highly enriched uranium, for which there is no civilian justification.

Mr. President,

It is in all of our interest that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. Germany, with its E3 partners France and the United Kingdom, will continue to do its utmost to ensure a sustainable and verifiable solution that addresses all concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

I thank you.