US seeks new multilateral body to monitor Iran sanctions after Russia-China veto

UNITED NATIONS — The United States will push for the creation of an independent, multilateral body to monitor implementation of sanctions on Iran after Russia and China blocked renewal of the UN panel that tracked violations, US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told the General Assembly on Thursday.

“The United States will continue to advocate for a panel of experts while advancing an independent, multilateral panel to monitor and report on global compliance with the sanctions on Iran,” Waltz said, adding: “Blocking UN monitors must not block scrutiny.”

The vetoes ended the UN Security Council’s mandate for independent monitoring of Iran sanctions. A US-drafted resolution to extend the mandate received 11 votes in favour, with China and Russia voting against and Pakistan and Somalia abstaining, according to Reuters.

The General Assembly met on Thursday under the 2022 veto initiative to examine the China-Russia veto. Assembly president Khalilur Rahman said the initiative “cannot substitute for effective Security Council action,” UN News reported.

Waltz accused Moscow of arms transfers that the monitors would have investigated, saying: “We know that Iran exported arms and related materiel to Russia, Venezuela under the Maduro regime, and countries in Africa” and “We also have information that Russia transferred fighter aircraft and armoured vehicles to Iran in late 2025.”

Russia’s UN ambassador Vasily Nebenzya defended the veto, saying Moscow would continue to oppose an “unlawful and reckless course” and that only negotiations on an equal footing could dispel suspicions over Iran’s nuclear programme.