SAEDNEWS: After the UN Security Council rejected a bid to continue Iran sanctions relief, the Russian foreign ministry stressed the illegality of European countries' actions to restore sanctions against Iran.
The UN Security Council on Friday failed to pass a resolution that could have stopped the automatic return of UN sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program before the end-of-month deadline.
The resolution, tabled by South Korea, fell short of support, gaining only four votes—from China, Russia, Pakistan, and Algeria—while nine members opposed and two abstained. This means that, unless another agreement is reached, UN sanctions on Iran will be reinstated in the coming weeks.
Russia, backed strongly by China, denounced the European push to restore sanctions as “provocative and illegal.” In a statement on September 20, the Russian Foreign Ministry accused the European trio in the JCPOA, along with South Korea’s UNSC presidency, of being influenced by Western pressure.
During Friday’s tense session, Russia, China, Algeria, and Pakistan defended continued sanctions relief for Iran, highlighting the JCPOA’s role in endorsing the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, Western countries, led by the US, pressed to bring back restrictions despite global opposition.
⚖️ The deadlock underscores deep divisions within the UNSC over Iran, raising questions about the credibility of the Council and the future of the 2015 nuclear deal.
