UN Security Council to vote today on delaying return of sanctions on Iran

(Patria) - The UN Security Council will vote today on a resolution proposed by Russia and China to postpone the re-imposition of sanctions on Iran for six months, but diplomats said that it is unlikely to be adopted, Reuters reported.

All UN sanctions on Iran are due to be re-imposed on Friday at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (00:00 AM Central Time on Saturday) after the United Kingdom, France, and Germany initiated a thirty-day process, accusing Tehran of violating the 2015 agreement with world powers.

The resolution requires at least nine votes in favor in the fifteen-member UN Security Council, with no veto from the United Kingdom, France, or the United States. Diplomats said there will likely be many abstentions and that the text is unlikely to be adopted.

Iran and European powers are trying this week to reach a last-minute deal to postpone the return of sanctions and make room for long-term negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.

The United Kingdom, France, and Germany have offered a postponement of up to six months to allow room for talks on a long-term deal on Iran's nuclear program, if Tehran restores access for UN nuclear inspectors, addresses concerns about its enriched uranium stockpiles, and begins talks with the United States.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Thursday that Tehran is fully prepared to face any scenario and will adjust its policies if UN sanctions are re-imposed, although he expressed hope that they will not be renewed, Iranian state media reported.