UN Security Council Fails to Extend Iran Sanctions Relief; Russia and China Reject ‘Snapback’ Measures

NEW YORK, Sept 20 (VoM): The UN Security Council on Friday failed to adopt a resolution aimed at maintaining sanctions relief for Iran under the 2015 nuclear agreement, paving the way for the automatic reimposition of UN sanctions under the deal’s “snapback” mechanism.

Only Russia, China, Pakistan, and Algeria voted in favor of the resolution, while nine members, including the United States, Britain, France, and other European nations, opposed it, effectively triggering the sanctions snapback.

In a joint statement following the vote, Russia and China declared the snapback “illegal and invalid,” stressing they would not recognize or comply with the measures. Both countries reaffirmed their intention to continue business and economic engagement with Iran as usual, regardless of the reimposed UN sanctions.

The development underscores growing rifts within the Security Council, with Western powers pushing to penalize Iran over alleged violations of the nuclear accord, while Moscow and Beijing argue the US, having withdrawn from the deal in 2018, has no standing to enforce its terms.

Diplomats warn the standoff could further escalate tensions in the Middle East and undermine efforts to revive diplomatic talks on Iran’s nuclear program.