Friday brought an unexpected twist to global diplomacy: the Security Council vote on a six-month extension of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) collapsed with only four votes in favor, nine against and two abstentions. The failure to secure the required nine “yes” votes means the phased sanctions relief for Iran will slip back into effect, reversing a decade of careful negotiation.
China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, voiced deep regret over the outcome: “A breakdown in the Iranian nuclear issue could trigger a new regional security crisis, which runs counter to the common interests of the international community,” he warned, urging a return to dialogue and negotiation.
Drafted by China and Russia, the resolution aimed to uphold Security Council resolution 2231 and encourage ongoing engagement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency. With sanctions re-imposed as of Saturday evening, energy markets and emerging tech investors are bracing for heightened volatility, while startups eyeing Middle East partnerships face renewed uncertainty.
Geng outlined three guiding principles: safeguarding regional peace and stability, resolving disputes through dialogue, and honoring the JCPOA in both letter and spirit. He also called on the U.S. to respond to Iran’s proposal for fresh talks without resorting to force, and urged European nations to shift from sanctions to genuine diplomacy.
As global citizens navigate the fallout, observers say this standoff underscores the delicate balance between security and economic interests. With China pledging continued diplomatic efforts, the world now watches to see if cooler heads will prevail in seeking a comprehensive political settlement on the Iranian nuclear issue.
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China voices regret over UNSC failure to extend Iran sanctions relief
cgtn.com
