The Potential Return of UN Sanctions on Iran: International Risks and Readiness

Recorded on Thursday, September 18, 2025
The September decision by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom (E3) to trigger the United Nations “snapback” mechanism against Iran marks a pivotal point in the global response to the country’s nuclear ambitions. By formally declaring Iran in violation of its commitments under the JCPOA, the E3 set in motion the reimposition of sweeping UN sanctions with potential far-reaching implications for a range of stakeholders, from maritime operators and suppliers of defense and dual-use products to financial institutions and commodities traders. With asset freezes and financial restrictions, an arms embargo, and renewed restrictions on uranium enrichment and ballistic missile development now on the horizon, the “snapback” is poised to reshape how private industry assesses and manages Iran-related risk.
The potential impact of this move doesn’t stop at Iran’s borders. As we explore in this webinar, the reimposition of sanctions has the potential to reverberate across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and beyond, amplifying compliance risks through global commerce and trade finance. Compounding this challenge, the snapback intersects with existing sanctions from the U.S., EU, and U.K., creating a complex, multi-layered compliance landscape that requires constant vigilance, careful navigation, and proactive risk management.
Watch us unpack this possible policy development and share insights to navigate this evolving landscape – where private industry must grapple with the far-reaching geopolitical implications to avoid costly missteps and manage the strategic fallout.
Speakers:
Dr. Jonathan Brewer, Visiting Professor, King's College London
Dr. Jonathan Brewer is a former financial expert of the UN Panel on Iran, Acting Coordinator of the UN Panel of Experts on North Korea (DPRK), and Coordinator of the UN 1540 Group of Experts. As a member of HM Diplomatic Service (1983–2010), he served in British Embassies in Luanda, Mexico City, and Moscow, then as Secretary to the Joint Intelligence Committee (2003–2004) and as Head of Counter-Proliferation (2005–2010).
He has been a visiting professor at King's College London since 2010. He conducts research into UN Security Council and unilateral sanctions requirements, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferation programmes, and Financing of WMD proliferation.
He was appointed OBE in the New Year Honours List 2025 for services to Global Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Alberto Ballesteros, Program Manager, Kharon
Alberto works as a Program Manager with the Kharon Global Knowledge Engagement Team, developing and delivering trainings to industry and public institutions on sanctions, export controls, supply chain risks, and related risk areas. He previously coordinated international technical assistance on counter-proliferation finance at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Alberto holds a master's degree in Intelligence and International Security from King's College London and has a bachelor's degree in International Relations and Business Management from the Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid, Spain.