UN Security Council Fails to Approve Iran Sanctions Resolution, Talks Continue
The United Nations Security Council did not approve a draft resolution on Friday aimed at permanently lifting sanctions on Iran, giving Tehran and European powers a short window to negotiate a possible delay.
The 15-member council was scheduled to vote after Britain, France, and Germany initiated a 30-day process on August 28 to reimpose UN sanctions. These European nations allege Iran has violated the 2015 nuclear agreement designed to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons, claims Iran denies.
During the vote, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Algeria supported the draft, while nine countries opposed it and two abstained. The outcome sets up a week of high-stakes diplomacy in New York, where global leaders, including Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, are attending the UN General Assembly.
Conditions for Possible Delay
Britain, France, and Germany have proposed a potential six-month postponement of sanctions, contingent on Iran granting access to UN nuclear inspectors, addressing concerns about its enriched uranium stockpiles, and entering negotiations with the United States.
“Without these basic steps, there is no clear path to a quick diplomatic solution,” said Britain’s UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward. “We urge Iran to act promptly and remain open to further discussions in the coming week.”
A delay requires approval by the Security Council. If no agreement is reached by September 27, all UN sanctions will automatically resume.
US Emphasizes Diplomacy
Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea clarified that although the US voted against the resolution, it does not rule out diplomacy. She noted that President Trump remains committed to direct and time-limited talks with Iran, either before or after the snapback deadline.
French UN Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont added that Germany, France, and Britain have already met with Iranian officials twice since the process began. “We continue to seek a negotiated solution,” he said.
Russia and China Advocate Extended Negotiations
Meanwhile, Russia and China have drafted a resolution that would extend the 2015 nuclear agreement for six months and call for all parties to resume talks. No vote has been requested for this proposal.
As the September 27 deadline nears, global attention focuses on whether Iran and Western powers can reach a compromise to prevent automatic sanctions and maintain the possibility of diplomatic progress.