Russia, China reject U.S. push to renew U.N. monitoring of Iran

Russia and China have vetoed a United States-backed resolution seeking to renew the mandate of United Nations experts monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities and sanctions evasion.

According to New York Times, the resolution was supported by Britain, France and eight other Security Council members, while two countries abstained. Russia and China, both permanent members with veto powers, opposed the measure, arguing that the sanctions had expired and that the issue should be addressed diplomatically.

The US criticized the vetoes, saying they would create a gap in independent monitoring of Iran’s activities and sanctions enforcement. Russia and China, however, accused Western countries of using political pressure against Tehran. The vote comes amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and the broader conflict involving the United States and Iran.