Russia and China veto UN panel monitoring Iran sanctions

According to an i24NEWS report, Russia and China have used their veto power at the UN Security Council to block the renewal of the expert panel responsible for monitoring international sanctions against Iran. The resolution, which received support from 11 Security Council members, failed to pass due to opposition from Moscow and Beijing, with Somalia and Pakistan abstaining. This move effectively paralyses the UN oversight body tasked with tracking sanctions violations. Analysts suggest this event reflects a shift in the balance of power within the Security Council and an increasing willingness by the two eastern powers to challenge Western-led oversight structures. While the primary sanctions reinstated by the European troika remain in force, the absence of an independent monitoring body leaves the enforcement of these measures in doubt. US representative Jennifer Losta described the move as an attempt to conceal illicit cooperation with Iran, while Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia questioned the legal basis for such oversight. For Iran, the veto is viewed as a diplomatic victory against international pressure, potentially providing Tehran with greater room for manoeuvre in its foreign policy. However, the development may lead to increased tensions between Iran and Western nations, as France has announced it is seeking alternative mechanisms to monitor sanctions. Ultimately, this Security Council deadlock indicates that Iran's nuclear and missile files have become increasingly hostage to geopolitical competition between major powers, a situation that could impact regional stability.