August 5, 2006
The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1696, demanding that Iran suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, which were claimed to be a transparent, verifiable condition by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
New York, United States | United Nations Security Council
August 5, 2006
The issue of Iran’s nuclear program had been a subject of international concern as it raised suspicions about the possible development of nuclear weapons, despite Iran’s assertions that its intentions were peaceful. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported worries about the lack of transparency in Iran’s nuclear activities, prompting the United Nations to address the situation significantly.
On August 5, 2006, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1696 with a vote of 14-1. Qatar was the only member that voted against the resolution. The primary demands set forth by the resolution were:
The resolution came as an initiative largely pushed forward by the five permanent members of the Security Council, which include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China, along with Germany. These countries were collectively involved under the “P5+1” negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program.
Iran rejected the demands, insisting on its right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes as a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This defiance led to subsequent resolutions and sanctions over time. The standoff highlighted the challenges in addressing nuclear proliferation and the complexities in diplomatic negotiations. It underscored the tensions in the Middle East and the role of international organizations in mediating global security issues. The resolution was a key moment in what would later lead to the broader negotiation framework resulting in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), designed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
Source: www.un.org