Failure of the Russian-Chinese Project to Extend the Lifting of Sanctions on Iran in the Security Council

The United Nations Security Council rejected a draft resolution proposed by Russia and China to extend the implementation of Council Resolution 2231, in a last-ditch effort to postpone the reimposition of sanctions on Iran.

The draft did not succeed in garnering the required votes, as only four countries voted in favor: Russia, China, Pakistan, and Algeria, while nine countries opposed it, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, while South Korea and Guyana abstained from voting.

For any draft resolution to be adopted in the Security Council, it must receive the support of at least nine members, provided that none of the permanent members (the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom) exercise their veto against it.

This failure means the return of UN sanctions imposed on Tehran, a step that could increase tensions surrounding its nuclear file.