Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SR81

Introduced

2/13/25

Refer

2/13/25

Caption

A resolution calling on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015).

Impact

Should the E3 act on this resolution and implement the snapback of sanctions, it would effectively reinstate previous sanctions lifted under the JCPOA. This could result in significant economic consequences for Iran, potentially limiting its ability to fund its nuclear program and other regional activities. The resolution emphasizes the consensus among various nations about the risks of Iran's expanding nuclear capabilities, particularly after Iran has been reported to increase its uranium enrichment activities and ignore its commitments under previous agreements. A return to sanctions could heighten diplomatic tensions further among Iran, the E3 countries, and the United States.

Summary

SR81 is a resolution that calls upon the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (collectively known as the E3) to initiate the 'snapback' of sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2231, established in 2015. The resolution comes in response to Iran's repeated violations of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which initially aimed to restrict Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Given the current acceleration of Iran's nuclear program, the resolution aims to preemptively address potential threats that a nuclear-armed Iran could pose to both regional and global security.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SR81. Critics argue that reintroducing sanctions could hamper diplomatic efforts to negotiate a more comprehensive and lasting agreement with Iran. They fear that isolating Iran economically could push it further away from negotiations and exacerbate tensions. Additionally, the resolution calls out specific nations, such as Russia and China, for their perceived support of Iran's actions, opening the door for potential geopolitical conflicts. Proponents, however, insist that the snapback is a necessary measure to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which is seen as a direct threat to U.S. allies in the region and, therefore, global security.

Congress_id

119-SRES-81

Policy_area

International Affairs

Introduced_date

2025-02-13

Companion Bills

US HR139

Related The resolution urges the E3 (the United Kingdom, France, and Germany) to invoke the snapback of United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iran under UN Security Council Resolution 2231 before the option expires on October 18, 2025. This resolution also (1) recognizes that Iran's possession of a nuclear weapon would threaten U.S. and global security, (2) condemns Iran's repeated violations of certain international commitments related to nuclear weapons, and (3) reaffirms that the United States maintains the right to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Previously Filed As

US SR717

A resolution calling on the Biden Administration to pursue censure of Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), refer the issue to the United Nations Security Council, and reaffirm that all measures will be taken to prevent the regime in Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

US SJR106

A joint resolution to authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against the Islamic Republic of Iran for threatening the national security of the United States through the development of nuclear weapons.

US HR1272

Calling on the Biden Administration to pursue censure of Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), refer the issue to the United Nations Security Council, and reaffirm that all measures will be taken to prevent the regime in Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

US SR933

A resolution calling on the United Nations Security Council to enforce the existing arms embargo on Darfur and extend it to cover all of Sudan.

US SR784

A resolution deterring Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their repeated and continued acts of terrorism against the State of Israel and the United States and urging the United States to use all diplomatic tools available to hold them accountable for such actions.

Similar Bills

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