UNITED NATIONS, Russia and China have vetoed a US-backed resolution at the United Nations Security Council.
The resolution sought to extend the work of UN experts who monitor sanctions on Iran.
The 15-member council held the vote on Thursday.
Eleven members supported the resolution. Russia and China voted against it. Pakistan and Somalia abstained.
As a result, the resolution did not pass.
Russia and China Oppose Extension
The US-backed resolution sought another year for the UN expert team.
The team checks reports of possible violations of UN sanctions on Iran.
However, Russia and China opposed the plan.
Both countries have criticised the current system for monitoring the sanctions.
They also said political pressure has affected the monitoring process.
In their view, such pressure can make talks on Iran’s nuclear issue more difficult.
Iran Rejects Nuclear Weapons Claims
Western countries restored UN sanctions on Iran in September 2025.
They accused Iran of breaking its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal.
Iran has rejected those claims.
Tehran says it does not seek to build nuclear weapons.
The 2015 deal is known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
It placed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.
The UN Security Council approved Resolution 2231 to support the deal.
That resolution also set a schedule for ending UN sanctions on Iran.
Pakistan Explains Its Decision
Pakistan did not vote for or against the resolution.
Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad explained the decision.
He said the Iran nuclear issue has moved away from the spirit of cooperation.
According to Ahmad, the current approach also differs from the peaceful process that guided Resolution 2231.
He expressed regret over what he called a “non-consensual path.”
Ahmad said this approach could have long-term effects.
Therefore, he stressed that diplomacy and talks should remain central to solving the issue.
Pakistan has consistently supported dialogue instead of conflict, he added.
Pakistan Supports IAEA Role
Pakistan also backed the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Ahmad called the IAEA the technical body responsible for checking Iran’s nuclear safeguards.
He said the agency should work independently.
In addition, he said the IAEA should carry out its duties without political pressure.
Pakistan also called for renewed diplomatic contact between the parties.
Call for New Talks
Islamabad urged all sides to honour their commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Pakistan also called for a return to the negotiating table.
According to Ahmad, diplomacy should get another chance to help resolve the issue.
He said this would serve regional and international peace and security.
Meanwhile, Russia and China maintained that the current monitoring system has become too political.
They argued that pressure-based measures could make future talks harder.
The Security Council vote shows the deep divisions over Iran’s nuclear programme and UN sanctions.
