Russia and China Block U.S. Resolution on Iran

Russia and China have vetoed a United States resolution at the United Nations Security Council that sought to extend by one year the mandate of independent experts monitoring sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

The resolution was defeated on Thursday with 11 votes in favor and 2 against, while Somalia and Pakistan abstained. The Russian and Chinese veto blocks the continuation of the special monitoring mechanism, while the sanctions on Iran themselves remain in force.

The sanctions, reimposed on September 27 last year through the “snapback” mechanism provided for in the 2015 nuclear deal, include freezing Iranian assets abroad, restrictions on arms deals with Tehran, and measures against the development of Iran’s ballistic missile program.

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom triggered the sanctions snapback mechanism, reinstating the relevant Security Council committee and the mandate of the panel of experts monitoring the implementation of the measures.

The UN vote comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. administration is continuing its economic pressure on Iran. On Thursday, the Treasury Department and the State Department announced measures against two companies, BitBank and Pishtaz Simorgh Electronic Trade Co., as well as three associates of the previously sanctioned businessman Babak Zanjani. According to U.S. authorities, the individuals and companies involved helped evade sanctions on Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran’s mission to the UN welcomed the decision by Russia and China, thanking both countries for blocking the U.S. resolution. Tehran described the initiative as an attempt by the U.S. and its allies to use the Security Council for political purposes.