Iran rejects UN sanctions vote

Shafaq News – Tehran / New York (Updated at 20:55)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday criticized what he described as the politicization of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting, stressing that Tehran’s cooperation with the agency is purely technical.

In a phone call with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Araghchi underlined Iran’s consistent pursuit of diplomacy and technical engagement to address questions over its nuclear program. He also rejected the meeting’s “unfair pressure,” warning that it could further escalate tensions.

The remarks came hours after the UN Security Council voted against a draft resolution aimed at permanently lifting sanctions on Iran. The 15-member body was required to act after Britain, France and Germany – collectively known as the European Troika (E3) – triggered a 30-day process on August 28 to restore UN sanctions, accusing Tehran of failing to meet its obligations under the 2015 nuclear deal designed to prevent the development of a nuclear weapon.

Iran’s envoy Amir Saeed Iravani condemned the outcome as a breach of international law, rejecting the September 28 deadline and insisting the country’s nuclear program is peaceful. He also accused the E3 of failing to uphold their obligations and “acting under Washington’s dictates,” describing the vote as a missed opportunity for dialogue.

The Veto Powers

Acting US Envoy Dorothy Shea welcomed the decision, charging that Iran has enriched uranium far beyond agreed limits “with no credible civilian purpose.” British envoy Barbara Woodward said the outcome aligned with the Snapback mechanism set out under Security Council Resolution 2231, reiterating London’s commitment to diplomacy that prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

China’s representative Fu Cong countered that the Europeans lacked authority to trigger the process and warned that pressing ahead risked escalating tensions. Russia’s ambassador Vasily Nebenzya accused the three states of sidestepping the deal’s dispute-resolution mechanism and using the Council for “blackmail and intimidation.”