Russia and China Veto UN Iran Sanctions Monitoring
Russia and China vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution to extend the mandate for independent monitoring of international sanctions on Iran. The decision creates a monitoring gap that drew strong criticism from United States officials.
Russia and China blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution on Thursday afternoon, ending the mandate for independent monitoring of international sanctions on Iran by an 11-2 vote. The veto removes the panel of experts responsible for reporting on sanctions violations to the 15-member council. The decision deepens divisions over Tehran's disputed nuclear program seven months after United States and Israel military strikes.
