The European Union called on Iran to return to full compliance with its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and its safeguards agreement, during a UN Security Council briefing on non-proliferation on 10 July 2026. Speaking on behalf of High Representative Kaja Kallas, EU Ambassador Stavros Lambrinidis expressed support for the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran and encouraged continued negotiations, which he said could restore stability and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The EU commended Pakistan, Qatar and other regional partners for their mediation efforts, and reiterated that diplomacy is the only sustainable way to resolve concerns over Iran's nuclear and ballistic programmes and its regional activities.
Lambrinidis noted that the EU has decade-long experience negotiating with Iran and is ready to use its sanctions-lifting leverage provided Iran verifiably changes its behaviour. He stressed that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, pointing to the country's escalating nuclear trajectory over the past six years. As of June 2025, Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% stood at 440 kg, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been unable to verify or draw safeguards conclusions due to Iran's lack of cooperation. The IAEA has lost continuity of knowledge regarding previously declared nuclear material inventories and enrichment capacities, including low and highly enriched uranium. The EU called on Iran to urgently re-establish full cooperation with the IAEA to allow monitoring of verifiable steps.
The statement also reaffirmed the EU's full support for the IAEA and its Director General in upholding safeguards, nuclear safety and security. The High Representative will continue engaging with all relevant parties, including Iran, to support a negotiated solution and promote conditions for greater regional cooperation.
This marks the EU's latest intervention on the Iran nuclear file, following years of diplomatic efforts and the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the US withdrew in 2018. The EU has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution and has maintained its role as coordinator of the JCPOA's remaining framework.