Security Council nixes resolution aimed at preventing ‘snapback’ sanctions on Iran, as deadline looms

The United Nations Security Council has voted against a resolution that sought to block the reimposition of deep economic sanctions on Tehran over its resurgent nuclear program.

The 15-member Security Council did not adopt the draft resolution to permanently lift sanctions on Iran, but Tehran and key European powers still have eight days to try and agree to a delay.

Security Council was required to vote on the draft resolution on Friday after Britain, France and Germany launched a 30-day process on August 28 to reimpose “snapback” UN sanctions, accusing Tehran of failing to abide by a 2015 deal with world powers that aimed to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

Russia, China, Pakistan and Algeria voted in favor of the draft text on Friday. Nine members voted against it, while two abstained.

The Security Council vote has now set up a week of intense diplomacy while world leaders – including Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian – are in New York for the annual high-level U.N. General Assembly.

Britain, France and German nations are signatories to a 2015 deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), intended to stop Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he had put forward a “fair and balanced” proposal to European powers to prevent the return of sanctions.

“We urge (Iran) to act now,” says British ambassador Barbara Woodward after casting a vote against a resolution that would have extended the current suspension of the sanctions.

She leaves the door open for diplomacy at the UN General Assembly next week, when heads of state and government will gather in New York.