Russia, China Veto U.S. Bid to Renew U.N. Iran Monitoring as Xi-Trump Meeting Nears in 1 Week
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Russia, China Veto U.S. Bid to Renew U.N. Iran Monitoring as Xi-Trump Meeting Nears in 1 Week
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Summary
Russia and China blocked a U.S. resolution at the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that would have renewed the mandate of experts monitoring Iran’s nuclear sanctions compliance.
The veto halts an effort to keep a panel tracking Iran’s nuclear program and alleged sanctions evasion, sharpening a U.S.-Russia-China clash over Washington’s campaign to isolate Tehran.
New York council exchanges turned pointed ahead of a Washington meeting expected in less than a week between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, underscoring wider geopolitical strain.
China’s Fu Cong warned against “double standards” and “pressure,” while Russia’s Vasily Nebenzya accused Western powers of pursuing economic interests; Iranian officials did not immediately comment.
The vote also comes after the International Atomic Energy Agency said this month it had been denied access to Iran’s nuclear facilities, adding to concern over outside visibility into the program.