The BRICS TimesA proposal by China and Russia to ease sanctions on Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal failed in the UN Security Council on Friday, securing support from only four of the 15 members.
Iran Sanctions Debate Returns to Spotlight
The issue of Iran’s nuclear program has once again triggered global concern. On Friday, Russia and China introduced a draft resolution at the United Nations, aiming to delay the reinstatement of sanctions on Tehran. However, the resolution was rejected in the 15-member UN Security Council. Only four nations voted in favor, nine opposed it, while two abstained.
Proposal’s Key Demands
The draft resolution sought to extend the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) until next April, allowing a six-month continuation. It also included reference to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which originally approved the deal in 2015. Moreover, the proposal called for ongoing cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
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Path Clears for Sanctions Return
Following the failed resolution, the path is now open to reimpose sanctions on Iran. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom accused Tehran of violating the 2015 agreement, designed to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons. As a result, all UN sanctions against Iran will automatically take effect again from Saturday at 8 p.m. Tehran, however, has firmly denied all such allegations.
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US Welcomes the Outcome
According to Reuters, an American official at the United Nations stated, “Washington welcomes the outcome of the vote.” The official added that diplomacy still holds the possibility of removing sanctions in the future, despite the council’s current decision.
French Envoy Stresses Diplomacy
The French ambassador to the UN emphasized that reimposing sanctions does not signify the end of diplomatic engagement with Tehran. However, the envoy added that Iran has shown no indication of avoiding this outcome and instead chose to delay any progress.
Russia Expresses Disappointment
Russia strongly criticized the members who voted against its proposal. Russian representative Dmitry Polyansky remarked, “Now, it has become clear and no confusion remains. These countries have revealed that their assurances for years about focusing on a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue were nothing more than empty noise.”
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