I. Introduction

1. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was concluded by China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America and the European Union with the Islamic Republic of Iran on 14 July 2015, and its unanimous endorsement by the Security Council in resolution 2231 (2015) on 20 July 2015, were the result of intensive negotiations over several years to achieve shared non-proliferation and regional security objectives, in a manner that delivers tangible economic benefits for the Iranian people. Eight years later, I remain convinced that the Plan is the best available option for ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme.

2. The continued lack of progress toward a return to the full and effective implementation of the Plan and the resolution, despite reaffirmation by all participants in the Plan and the United States in December 2022 that it was the only viable option, is disheartening. Unfortunately, since my previous report, negotiations remain stalled, curtailing the prospects for a return to full implementation of the Plan. I am nonetheless encouraged that participants in the Plan and the United States remain committed to a diplomatic solution. Lasting peace and security for all Member States can be only achieved through dialogue and cooperation.

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