Russia and China push UNSC to vote on delaying reimposition of Iran sanctions

Russia and China have requested the United Nations Security Council vote on Friday on a draft resolution to postpone the reimposition of sanctions on Iran by six months, diplomats said.

All UN sanctions are set to return at 8 p.m. EDT on Friday (0000 GMT Saturday) after Britain, France, and Germany triggered a 30-day process, accusing Tehran of violating the 2015 nuclear deal.

A resolution in the 15-member council requires at least nine affirmative votes and no vetoes from Britain, France or the United States.

This week, Iran and European powers have been negotiating a last-minute agreement to delay sanctions and allow time for long-term talks on Tehran’s nuclear program.

Diplomats said on Thursday the prospects of avoiding a reimposition of sanctions without a deal between Iran and the Europeans were slim.

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Britain, France and Germany have offered a delay of up to six months – to allow space for talks on a long-term deal on Tehran’s nuclear program – if Iran restores access for U.N. nuclear inspectors, addresses concerns about its stock of enriched uranium, and engages in talks with the United States.

With inputs from agencies