The UN Security Council failed to adopt a resolution extending sanctions relief to Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal on Friday, prompting China to call for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent regional instability. The draft resolution co-sponsored by China and Russia received only four votes in favor, falling short of the nine required for passage.
Deputy Permanent Representative Geng Shuang expressed deep regret over the outcome, warning that the collapse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) could trigger a security crisis. "Resolving disputes through dialogue isn\u2019t just preferable \u2013 it\u2019s essential," Geng stated, outlining three principles: preserving regional stability, prioritizing negotiations, and fully implementing the nuclear agreement.
The failed vote means UN sanctions suspended under Resolution 2231 will automatically resume, potentially complicating Iran\u2019s economic ties with global partners. Geng urged the U.S. to engage with Tehran\u2019s recent proposal for renewed talks and called on European nations to replace sanctions with "genuine diplomatic solutions."
China reaffirmed its commitment to mediating a comprehensive political resolution, emphasizing its role as an impartial stakeholder. Analysts suggest the development underscores growing divisions in multilateral approaches to nuclear nonproliferation, with implications for energy markets and regional security architectures across Asia.
