The UN Security Council will hold a critical vote on Iran’s nuclear program on Friday, as China and Russia aim to extend diplomatic efforts before new sanctions against Tehran take effect. European powers have expressed frustration over Iran’s lack of cooperation, prompting a return of sweeping UN sanctions set to begin at the end of Saturday.
China and Russia plan to introduce a draft resolution that would grant an additional six months for negotiations, extending the deadline to 18 April, 2026. However, several diplomats doubt that this resolution will secure the nine votes needed from the 15-member Security Council for passage.
European Powers Push for Sanctions
European nations have initiated a “snapback” of sanctions that were lifted a decade ago, following Iran’s agreement under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), negotiated during Barack Obama’s presidency. After Donald Trump withdrew from the deal, he imposed unilateral sanctions that significantly impacted Iran’s economy.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Iran could still avoid sanctions but had only hours left to act. He met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the UN General Assembly, urging Iran to reverse actions taken after recent Israeli and U.S. attacks on its nuclear sites. Macron emphasized the need for Iran to allow full access to UN nuclear inspectors and resume negotiations.
On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with British counterpart Yvette Cooper to discuss the ongoing tensions. Araghchi criticized the positions of the three European countries, labeling them as unjustified and illegal. As the deadline approaches, the international community watches closely to see if diplomacy can avert the looming sanctions.
