US bid to extend Iran arms embargo rejected by UN Security Council
- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo slams ‘failure to act decisively in defence of international peace and security’
- Move has implications for Iran nuclear deal, which Trump pulled out of in 2018
The United Nations Security Council has rejected a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday, in a move with repercussions for the Iran nuclear deal.
“The Security Council’s failure to act decisively in defence of international peace and security is inexcusable,” Pompeo said in a statement ahead of the council announcing the results of the vote.
The US has become increasingly isolated over Iran at the Security Council since President Donald Trump pulled it out of the Iranian nuclear deal in May 2018.
Washington was not expected to receive nine votes in favour, removing the need for Russia and China to wield their vetoes which they had indicated they were prepared to do.
The embargo on conventional arms is due to expire on October 18 under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Under the deal, negotiated by then US President Barack Obama, Iran committed to curtailing its nuclear activities for sanctions relief and other benefits.
