The United Nations Security Council has rejected a resolution from Russia and China that sought to delay the return of international sanctions on Iran. The proposal, which called for a six-month extension of sanctions relief, failed in a 4–9 vote, with two abstentions. The defeat ensures that the full range of sanctions suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal will now snap back into place.
Those voting in favor of the resolution included Russia, China, Algeria, and Pakistan. Opposing nations were the United States, United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Greece, Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Somalia, while Guyana and South Korea abstained. The failure triggered the automatic reinstatement of restrictions on Iran’s arms sales, uranium enrichment, missile development, and access to global financial systems. Travel bans and asset freezes tied to Iran’s nuclear program will also return.
Western governments welcomed the outcome, pointing to Iran’s continued pursuit of uranium enrichment and destabilizing actions in the Middle East as justification for renewed pressure. Russia and China denounced the vote, accusing the West of “blackmail” and escalating tensions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by calling the decision “unfair, unjust and illegal,” signaling further resistance from Tehran.
The snapback sanctions are designed to be veto-proof, ensuring accountability if Iran violates nuclear commitments. The move is expected to further isolate Tehran diplomatically and economically, while reinforcing U.S. and allied efforts to prevent the regime from advancing toward nuclear weapons capability.
