Russia, China veto US-backed UN resolution to extend Iran sanctions monitoring

New York, Sep 18 (UNI) Russia and China vetoed a US-backed United Nations Security Council resolution seeking to extend the mandate of an independent panel of experts tasked with monitoring sanctions on Iran. The resolution received 11 votes in favour, while Pakistan and Somalia abstained. The vetoes by the two permanent members blocked its adoption. The vote came amid continuing disagreement over the legal status of UN sanctions against Iran, which were reimposed in September 2025 after Britain, France and Germany triggered the "snapback" mechanism under the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The sanctions cover…