The United States and its Western allies clashed with Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council over Iran’s nuclear programme, as Washington sought to justify its military campaign against Tehran.
During a meeting of the 15-member council, Russia and China attempted to block a discussion related to a committee responsible for monitoring and enforcing sanctions on Iran. Their effort failed after a vote of 11-2, with two abstentions.
The meeting took place as tensions continue to rise following the war launched by the United States against Iran two weeks ago.
US Accuses Russia And China Of Shielding Iran
Speaking at the council, US envoy Mike Waltz accused Moscow and Beijing of trying to protect Iran by undermining the work of the UN sanctions monitoring body known as the 1737 Committee.
He said UN member states should enforce an arms embargo on Iran and restrict transfers of missile technology and financial support linked to Tehran’s military activities.
According to Waltz, Russia and China were seeking to prevent effective sanctions enforcement because of their defence cooperation with Iran.
Russia And China Reject US Claims
Russia’s UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya accused the United States and its allies of exaggerating claims that Iran was seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
He said the allegations were being used to justify military action and increase tensions across the Middle East.
China’s representative Fu Cong also criticised Washington, calling the United States the main instigator of the current crisis and accusing it of undermining diplomatic efforts through the use of force.
Iran Denies Nuclear Weapons Ambitions
Iran’s UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Tehran’s nuclear programme remained strictly peaceful and rejected any attempt to impose sanctions against the country.
Western nations including Britain and France, however, argued that Iran had failed to address international concerns about its nuclear activities.
France said the International Atomic Energy Agency could no longer guarantee the peaceful nature of the programme and warned that Iran’s uranium stockpile could be sufficient for multiple nuclear devices.
(with inputs from Reuters)
