Russia and China Block U.S. Effort to Extend UN Sanctions Monitoring on Iran
Russia and China block U.S. resolution to extend UN experts' monitoring of Iran sanctions, deepening tensions over nuclear program.
POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — Russia and China blocked a U.S.-backed resolution Thursday that would have extended the mandate of U.N. experts monitoring sanctions against Iran, further straining relations between the U.S. and its allies over the country’s nuclear program.
The resolution, which aimed to authorize the continuation of a panel of U.N. experts tasked with tracking compliance with sanctions, failed due to Russian and Chinese vetoes. The U.N. Security Council voted 11-2, with Somalia and Pakistan abstaining. The sanctions, reimposed in September 2025 under the ‘snapback’ mechanism, include restrictions on Iran’s financial assets, arms deals, and missile development.
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The U.S. had argued that the expert panel was essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in enforcing the sanctions. However, Russia and China claimed the resolution lacked legal basis, citing their belief that the snapback of sanctions against Iran was unlawful. The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to isolate Iran economically, targeting digital currency networks it claims are helping Tehran evade international financial restrictions.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
