Russia and China veto US-backed resolution to monitor Iran nuclear sanctions

Russia and China have vetoed a United Nations resolution that would have allowed independent experts to continue monitoring sanctions reimposed on Iran over its nuclear programme, dealing a blow to international oversight efforts. The United States had drafted the resolution to extend the UN expert panel's mandate for a year. It was defeated on Thursday at the UN Security Council by a vote of 11-2, with Somalia and Pakistan abstaining. The UN Security Council sanctions, which were reimposed on 27 September last year under the snapback mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal, remain in effect. They freeze Iranian assets abroad, restrict arms deals with Tehran and penalise the development of its ballistic missile programme.