United Nations Security Council – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Pakistan abstains Iran sanctions vote at the United Nations Security Council, choosing neutrality over taking sides on a heated global issue. The vote was about extending the mandate of a panel of experts that helps monitor sanctions on Iran.
Eleven countries backed the US-sponsored resolution. But Russia and China used their veto power to block it. Somalia joined Pakistan in staying neutral.
This means the panel, which has already been inactive for a year, will not return anytime soon. Moscow and Beijing argue that all UN sanctions on Iran were already lifted under the old nuclear deal.
Pakistan’s UN envoy, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, spoke at the session. He said the Iran nuclear issue has grown more complicated over time.
Pakistan remains concerned that the consideration of Iran nuclear issue, including by the Security Council, has become further complicated over a period of time. We have clearly come a long way from the spirit of cooperation and peaceful settlement of disputes that characterized… pic.twitter.com/1tyEBz1LK9
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) September 17, 2026
He pointed out that the spirit of cooperation seen years ago, when resolution 2231 was adopted, feels far away now.
Ahmad blamed rising regional tensions and recent strikes on nuclear sites for making dialogue harder. He also noted deep differences among permanent Security Council members.
Still, Pakistan pushed for peace. The ambassador said diplomacy remains the only real path forward. He urged all sides to avoid confrontation and return to talks.
Pakistan also voiced support for the International Atomic Energy Agency. He said the IAEA should work independently, free from political pressure.
The envoy referred to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He called on all parties to honour it and restart negotiations.
Background matters here too. All UN sanctions returned last year after France, Britain, and Germany accused Iran of breaking the 2015 nuclear pact. Iran continues to deny seeking nuclear weapons.
Adding to the tension, the US and Israel fought a war with Iran seven months ago. Their stated goal was stopping Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, criticised Western nations during the meeting. He accused them of politicising the Security Council over Iran.
He urged Western countries to stop actions he called dangerous. According to him, only political and diplomatic efforts can truly resolve the crisis.
This latest veto shows just how divided the world remains on Iran. With no active monitoring panel, tracking sanctions violations becomes even harder.
Pakistan’s careful, neutral stance reflects its long-standing policy. The country prefers dialogue and regional stability over picking global sides.
As tensions simmer, all eyes remain on whether diplomacy can still find a way forward.
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