China Voices Regret Over UN Vote
In a surprising turn at the UN Security Council on Friday, a draft resolution to extend sanctions relief for Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal failed to pass. China, which co-sponsored the text with Russia, expressed deep disappointment, calling the outcome a setback for international peace 🤝.
The proposal aimed to renew the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for another six months—until next April—and keep Council resolution 2231 in place. It also encouraged Iran to continue working with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). But with only four votes in favor, nine against, and two abstentions, the resolution fell short of the nine votes required.
As a result, the sanctions relief lifted under the deal will be re-imposed starting Saturday evening, the UN announced. China’s deputy permanent representative, Geng Shuang, voiced regret over the decision, warning that a breakdown in talks could spark a new regional security crisis 🌍.
Geng outlined three guiding principles to steer the Iranian nuclear issue back on track:
- Safeguard peace and stability in the region 🕊️
- Resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation 💬
- Uphold the JCPOA in both letter and spirit 📜
The envoy urged the U.S. to consider Iran’s offer to resume talks without threats, and encouraged European members to swap sanctions pressure for real diplomacy. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to global peace and security, and pledged to keep working with all sides toward a comprehensive political settlement.
With the diplomatic clock ticking, many observers hope renewed talks will calm tensions and prevent a fresh crisis in the Middle East.
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China voices regret over UNSC failure to extend Iran sanctions relief
cgtn.com
