Statement by Mr. Oļegs Iļģis, DPR of Latvia to the United Nations at UN Security Council Briefing on Non-proliferation (UNSCR 2231 Implementation)
New York, 10 July 2026
Thank you, Mr President.
I thank the DRC Presidency for convening this regular meeting on the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Resolution 2231. I also thank Under-Secretary General DiCarlo for her valuable contribution and I welcome the participation of the representatives of Germany and the European Union.
Mr President,
While we sincerely welcome the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, it must now be comprehensively implemented. The recent bouts of repeated escalation are unacceptable. Cessation of hostilities is crucial for the region and global stability. Iran must cease any and all threats and attacks against both the Gulf States and maritime vessels. It is imperative that free and safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz is fully restored. We reiterate the importance of diplomacy and dialogue, and support much-needed negotiations regarding further elements, key among them - the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme. While we wish for continued diplomatic engagement and successful future talks, the legal reality so far has not changed. The UN sanctions against Iran remain in force. They reflect international law and all UN Member States, including the Members of this Council, are obliged to respect and implement them.
We therefore appreciate the twenty-first report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2231, which cites the latest report of the IAEA of 4 June. The situation remains precarious. The Agency has not been able to conduct any in-field verification activities at the affected facilities, despite the binding Safeguards Agreement, and effectively has lost the continuity of knowledge on the most important aspects of the Iranian nuclear programme, including its nuclear material and nuclear-related activities at declared locations.
Mr President,
Recent events show that Iran continues to disregard international law. If, however, Iran was serious about reaching a sustainable long-term solution to the issue of its nuclear programme that would enable the lifting of international sanctions against it, the path forward is very clear. Iran must respect and implement its binding agreements under international law, most notably the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, including its obligations under the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. Enrichment of up to 60 percent, as previously reported by the IAEA inspectors, cannot be reconciled with any peaceful purpose. Iran must meaningfully engage in serious negotiations, cease its escalatory nuclear programme and grant unhindered access to the IAEA inspectors to all relevant sites. Until then the sanctions will remain in place.
Mr President,
Latvia will continue to constructively engage on this issue in order to ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. We must uphold Council decisions, including the 1737 sanctions regime, until the actions of Iran substantively change.
I thank you!