UN Security Council Rejects Russia-China Draft Resolution on Iran Sanctions

WANA (Sep 26) – The UN Security Council convened tonight to vote on a draft resolution put forward by Russia and China, which aimed to delay the reimposition of sanctions on Iran. The proposal failed to pass, receiving only 4 votes in favor (China, Russia, Pakistan, and Algeria), 9 against, and 2 abstentions. As a result, the activation of the “snapback mechanism” is now certain and is scheduled to take effect on Sunday at 8 p.m.

The meeting, chaired by South Korea’s ambassador, began with statements from Russia and China in support of their draft. The Russian representative argued: “European countries should extend the lifting of sanctions on Iran instead of escalating tensions,” stressing that Tehran has cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Araghchi at the UN Security Council session. Social media /WANA News Agency

China’s envoy, meanwhile, criticized Washington’s policies, declaring: “The U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA is the root cause of today’s crisis. Postponing the reimposition of sanctions would open the door to diplomacy.”

France, however, took a tougher stance. Its representative said: “We explored all diplomatic paths, but Iran rejected our proposals.” He called on council members not to support the resolution unless Tehran agreed to enter into concrete negotiations.

Opposition from the U.S., France, and the U.K., along with other members, ultimately led to the resolution’s failure. With this outcome, efforts by Moscow and Beijing to buy time for diplomacy came to a halt.

Earlier in the day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged Security Council members to act responsibly, saying: “Stand by diplomacy, justice, and international law.” He stressed that Iran had offered several proposals in recent weeks to keep the door to diplomacy open, but received no response from European powers.

At the UN Security Council session, Araghchi thanked the countries that voted in favor of the Russia-China draft resolution and supported the rule of law.

Diplomacy Against the Snapback Mechanism . JCPOA