Russia and China Veto US Proposal at UN on Sanctions Against Iran

Russia and China, the two permanent members of the UN Security Council, have vetoed a US-drafted resolution seeking to extend the mandate of a committee overseeing sanctions imposed on Iran. As a result, Washington’s proposal was formally rejected.

According to a Security Council report, the United States introduced the draft resolution in late August. However, Moscow and Beijing had strongly opposed the proposal from the outset. In particular, the two countries voiced strong opposition to Washington’s efforts to activate the so-called “snapback mechanism” for reinstating international sanctions.

The mechanism was created under the landmark Iran nuclear deal signed in 2015, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Under the mechanism, any original signatory to the agreement that believes Iran has violated its commitments can seek the restoration of previous international sanctions without requiring the support of other members of the Security Council.

Russia and China, however, have argued that the US claim to invoke the snapback mechanism is not legally valid. The two countries have also maintained that the JCPOA and the related UN Security Council Resolution 2231 have already expired. Therefore, they argue that the unilateral US move is contrary to international law and the agreement.