UN Security Council Rejects Resolution to Extend Sanctions Relief for Iran
New York – September 19, 2025 — The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has voted against a resolution that would have extended sanctions relief for Iran’s nuclear programme, setting the stage for the reimposition of economic restrictions by September 28 unless a breakthrough deal is reached.
The resolution, aimed at permanently lifting sanctions, was rejected in a 9-4 vote, with two abstentions. The United States, Britain, France, and six other members opposed the measure, while Russia, China, Pakistan, and Algeria supported Tehran’s case. Guyana and South Korea abstained, reflecting deep divisions within the Council.
Iran Slams Decision as “Unlawful and Politically Motivated”
Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned the decision, calling it “hasty, unlawful and biased.” He argued that any attempt to revive sanctions already removed under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), violated international law.
“Iran recognises no obligation to comply with this action. What the Europeans are pursuing is baseless and undermines the credibility of the Security Council,” Iravani told the chamber.
He accused the E3 nations — Britain, France, and Germany — of misusing the JCPOA’s dispute resolution mechanism to justify the so-called “snapback sanctions.” Tehran insists it has provided a “reasonable and actionable plan” while continuing to honour its commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Europe Pushes Back
The European trio, who initiated the sanctions process in late August, argue that Iran has breached multiple commitments, pointing to uranium enrichment levels more than 40 times higher than JCPOA limits. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also reported earlier this year that Iran was not fully complying with international safeguards.
European diplomats had offered a six-month delay in the snapback sanctions if Tehran restored full access for UN nuclear inspectors and resumed dialogue with Washington. However, Friday’s vote suggests that patience is wearing thin.
Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Tensions
The decision comes at a tense moment for the Middle East. In June, Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict, further souring the prospects for compromise. Tehran described the UNSC’s latest action as another “lost opportunity for dialogue.”
Al Jazeera’s diplomatic editor James Bays reported from New York that the decision does not mark the “absolute end” of talks. With world leaders gathering in New York next week for the UN General Assembly, there is still a narrow window for last-minute diplomacy.
“The clock is ticking. If no agreement is reached before September 28, Iran faces the full weight of renewed sanctions,” Bays said.
The Bigger Picture
Under the 2015 JCPOA, Iran agreed to restrict its nuclear programme in exchange for economic relief. But the deal began to unravel after former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 and reimposed unilateral sanctions. Since then, European powers have struggled to keep the agreement alive amid escalating hostilities.
Iran insists it does not seek nuclear weapons, maintaining its programme is for peaceful energy purposes. Still, the UNSC’s decision has pushed Tehran closer to renewed isolation, with the looming sanctions expected to deepen its already strained economy.