With reference to the UN Security Council resolution on Iran sanctions, consider the following statements: 1. Pakistan and Somalia voted in favor of the resolution. 2. Russia and China exercised their veto power against the US-backed resolution. 3. Sanctions were reimposed against Iran via the snapback mechanism in September 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Russia and China Veto US-backed Iran Sanctions Resolution at UN

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Regional & global groupings (QUAD, BRICS, SCO, G20...)· Mains· 18 September 2026

Veto power and sanctions efficacy: a key GS2 International Relations topic on multilateralism.

Why in news

Russia and China vetoed a United States-backed resolution at the UN Security Council that would have extended the mandate for monitoring sanctions on Iran.

Background

The resolution aimed to authorize UN experts to continue oversight of sanctions reimposed against Iran in September 2025. Eleven members voted in favor of the resolution, while Pakistan and Somalia abstained.

Facts for Prelims

FactRussia and China vetoed the resolution to extend the mandate for monitoring sanctions on Iran.
FactThe 'snapback' mechanism was triggered by France, Germany, and the UK.
FactSanctions were reimposed against Iran in September 2025.
FactPakistan and Somalia abstained from the vote on the resolution.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the UN Security Council resolution on Iran sanctions, consider the following statements:

Pakistan and Somalia voted in favor of the resolution.
Russia and China exercised their veto power against the US-backed resolution.
Sanctions were reimposed against Iran via the snapback mechanism in September 2025.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)2 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (d) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: Pakistan and Somalia abstained from the vote.

For Mains

Q. Analyze how the use of the veto power by permanent members of the UN Security Council impacts the efficacy of international sanctions regimes against nuclear proliferation.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Geopolitical friction: Divergent interests between Western powers and Russia-China bloc on Iran's nuclear status
Institutional deadlock: Limitations of the UN Security Council in enforcing multilateral sanctions due to veto dynamics

Keywords: Veto power · Sanctions regime · Nuclear non-proliferation · Multilateralism · Snapback mechanism

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note Source: Al Jazeera ↗

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