Despite appeals to all those involved in the stalled deal to ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons, 'diplomatic efforts remain at a standstill', the UN's political affairs chief told the Security Council on Monday.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) agreed in 2015 lays out the rules for monitoring Iran's domestic nuclear programme and paved the way for US sanctions to be lifted. It was agreed by Iran, the five permanent members of the Council (China, France, Russia the United Kingdom and the United States) plus Germany together with the European Union.