Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, PR of Latvia to the United Nations at UN Security Council Briefing on Non-proliferation (1737 Sanctions Committee)
New York, 9 June 2026
Thank you, Mr. President.
And I thank the Colombian Presidency for convening this legally mandated meeting at the earliest possibility.
First and foremost, Latvia would like to reiterate - the UN sanctions against Iran have been reimposed and remain in force. They reflect binding international law and all UN Member States, including the Members of this Council, are obliged to respect and implement them.
The 1737 Committee has also been re-established and is exercising its mandate, despite the unprecedented delay in the appointment of chairs of the Security Council’s subsidiary bodies for 2026. The Committee’s work is reflected in its engagement on the relevant exemption procedures.
It is regrettable that we were again unable to reach an agreement on the 90-day report of the 1737 Committee. And this follows the equally disappointing lack of agreement on new listings and a Panel of Experts.
Mr. President,
Security Council sanctions are a critical instrument to curb unlawful behaviour of states. Iran's continued and systematic failure to live up to its international obligations, most notably under the JCPoA, the NPT, and the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, led to the reimposition of sanctions.
By violating countless binding provisions and producing highly enriched uranium, Iran continuously disregards international law. Enrichment up to 60 percent, as previously reported by IAEA inspectors, cannot be reconciled with any peaceful purpose. And despite repeated assurances to the IAEA, Iran has withheld required access and has not complied with its commitments, therefore necessitating a clear and firm response. As long as Iran chooses to pursue its destabilizing nuclear programme, to refrain from granting unhindered access to IAEA inspectors to all relevant sites, and to not return to meaningful negotiations, the sanctions will remain in place.
Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region carry global consequences and further demonstrate its reckless attitude. It must cease unprovoked attacks against its regional neighbours and immediately terminate any attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz. The humanitarian toll resulting from Iran’s actions is growing more severe by the day and already the consequences are far too grave.
In this regard, we must recall that Iran has supplied Russia with drones and missiles for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, also used to attack civilian targets, and these are the same weapons Iran has been using against its neighbours in the Gulf region. We maintain our call for an immediate cessation of attacks and urgent de-escalation. The ceasefire must be respected and a comprehensive solution is needed to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon and that free and safe navigation can resume in the Strait of Hormuz.
Mr. President,
It is deeply regrettable that some Council Members continue to dispute legal reality and as a result, the work of all UN Security Council subsidiary bodies is being paralyzed. Narratives that deny reality do not alter the obligations under international law. Attempts to disrupt the decisions of this body and their implementation undermine both the Council and international law more broadly.
Finally, allow me to reaffirm our readiness to engage constructively in the work of the 1737 Sanctions Committee and reiterate our strong call for the subsidiary bodies to resume their full operation without further delay.
I thank you!