The United States and its Western allies clashed with Russia and China at the United Nations over Iran’s nuclear programme, as Washington seeks to reinforce its case for the war launched against Tehran two weeks ago.
During a meeting of the 15-member United Nations Security Council, chaired this month by the United States, Russia and China attempted to block a discussion concerning a UN committee responsible for overseeing sanctions on Iran.
However, the proposal failed after the council voted 11–2 to proceed, with two members abstaining.
Speaking at the session, US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz accused Moscow and Beijing of attempting to shield Tehran by obstructing the work of the so-called 1737 Committee, which monitors sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.
“All member states of the United Nations should be implementing an arms embargo against Iran, banning the transfer and trade of missile technology, and freezing relevant financial assets,” Waltz told the council.
He added that the measures were designed specifically to address threats related to Iran’s nuclear, missile and conventional weapons programmes, as well as its alleged support for militant groups.
Furthermore, Waltz argued that Russia and China oppose an effective sanctions committee because they want to protect Tehran and maintain defence cooperation that international restrictions would prohibit.
He also cited recent findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which reported that Iran has produced uranium enriched to 60 percent despite not possessing nuclear weapons and has limited the agency’s access to those stockpiles.
Russia and China accuse Washington of escalation
Russia strongly rejected the US accusations during the meeting. Russia’s UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya argued that Washington and its allies were fuelling alarm over Iran’s nuclear ambitions to justify military action.
According to Nebenzya, such claims served as a pretext for another military venture against Tehran while escalating tensions across the Middle East and beyond.
China echoed similar concerns. Beijing’s UN representative Fu Cong criticised Washington, describing the United States as the main instigator of the Iranian nuclear crisis.
He also accused the US of using force against Iran during an ongoing negotiation process, warning that such actions undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the dispute.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani told reporters that Tehran’s nuclear programme has always been peaceful. He also stated that Iran would not recognise any attempt to reimpose international sanctions.
