U.S.-drafted UNSC resolution extending arms embargo on Iran rejected

NEW YORK — The U.S.-drafted United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution extending the arms embargo on Iran was almost unanimously rejected. As a result, UNSC Chair Dian Triansyah announced on Tuesday that the initiative cannot be passed.

“I received messages from many member states. It seems that only one country adheres to a certain stance, whereas the majority member states hold an opposing stance,” Chair Dian declared, referring to the U.S.’s stance and the opposition of the other 14 members of the Council.

“There is no consensus in the UNSC, that is why no new steps will be taken,” Dian added.

​​Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzya welcomed this decision, describing it as a wise step because it takes into consideration the stances of the majority of UNSC members.

Nebenzya hoped that after the decision, the U.S. administration will abandon its initiative to indefinitely extend the arms embargo on Iran, noting that such a move would be illegal and will not lead to the result that the U.S. seeks.

The U.S. responded to the UNSC decision defiantly, indicating that the UNSC does not have the courage to deal with the Iranian issue. The U.S. also reiterated its determination to confront Tehran and stop its destabilizing operations in the region.