The UN Security Council has taken a rather "tough" action this time — the "de-escalation order" from the Iran nuclear deal, which was hard-won in 2015, finally expired after a decade. It was expected that the deal could be extended and survive, but unexpectedly, the proposal by China and Russia to extend the agreement was rejected by 9 votes against it. The scene was like many people singing a "chorus of opposition," and sanctions, like an old friend, returned on time.

At midnight on September 28 Greenwich Mean Time, the comprehensive sanctions imposed by the United Nations on Iran officially came into effect. Areas such as oil, finance, missiles, and even uranium enrichment activities will have to stop or be restricted. This means Iran's economy is likely to "collapse in tears." But let's say, why didn't China and Russia just use their "golden vote" to veto directly? You can continue listening to my analysis.

All of this started last month. The participating parties of the Iran nuclear deal, Britain, France, and Germany, like three strict teachers, notified the Security Council that Iran had violated the agreement and that the "fast-track restoration of sanctions" mechanism would be triggered! According to a report by Al Jazeera on September 28, this mechanism is actually a "backdoor clause" hidden in the 2015 agreement.

In other words, unless the Security Council passes a new resolution to allow Iran to continue enjoying the exemption, all previous sanctions measures must be re-implemented within 30 days. This week, Britain, France, and Germany had a "heart-to-heart talk" with Iran during the UN General Assembly, but the talks failed. Foreign ministers sighed, saying, "Iran has repeatedly broken its commitments; we have no choice but to press the button." They accused Iran of not allowing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to enter and not reporting the amount of enriched uranium it had in stock.

Previously, the US and Israel conducted "raids" on Iran's nuclear facilities, and as a result, the IAEA temporarily suspended inspections of Iran. However, on the 26th, IAEA Director General Grossi said that some inspection work has been resumed.

What was Iran's response? Iranian President Pezeshkian remained calm and responded, "We have been prepared for this, nothing big, the sky won't fall, and we won't submit to anyone." He added that with support from neighboring countries, BRICS partners, and the people, they could "endure." Sounds like he's saying, "Sanctions? Come on, let's fight!"

On September 26, the Security Council voted on the draft proposed by China and Russia to extend the exemption period: 4 votes in favor (China, Russia, and two "loyal" ones), 9 votes against (a victory for the US-Europe bloc), and 2 votes abstained. The draft failed, and the sanctions arrived as scheduled. These "old rules" include a ban on oil exports, financial freezes, arms embargoes, missile restrictions, and even travel bans on Iranian leaders.

Reuters stated that Iran's inflation has soared to 40%, the rial has plummeted like a roller coaster, and food and housing prices have skyrocketed. A mother in Tehran named Hima sighed, "Our two children can barely afford to eat, how can we cope with more?" Iranian officials are also worried that economic hardships may trigger street protests and fear that Israel might take advantage of the situation — former parliament member Eminehbadie warned, "Israel has the backing of the US, the risk of war is very high!" Israel, on the other hand, was delighted, calling it a "major progress," and urging the global community to "use all tools" to block Iran's nuclear path.

So why didn't China and Russia "veto" directly? Ha, the answer is as simple as a joke: because the "fast-track restoration mechanism" is not a regular resolution! According to Resolution 2231 of the Security Council, this mechanism is "automatically triggered" — once Britain, France, and Germany press the button, a 30-day countdown starts, and the Security Council can only vote to "renew," not directly "block." The veto power of China and Russia, as permanent members, applies to regular resolutions, but here it is "exemption expires automatically restores," so even if they voted in favor, they couldn't do anything, only helplessly watch the 9 "black hands" reject the proposal.

Mr. Geng Shuang, China's Deputy Representative to the United Nations, sighed after the vote: "Deeply regrettable! We insist on dialogue and negotiations, on maintaining regional stability, and on upholding the spirit of the comprehensive agreement." He urged the United States to respond to Iran's call for talks and avoid military actions; the EU should not be too harsh with sanctions and should engage in real diplomacy. China and Russia this time acted like "peacemakers," but the proposal being rejected meant they were saying, "Everyone, don't get angry, sit down for a cup of tea and chat?" However, the 9 opposing votes clearly didn't buy it — the US led, Europe followed, turning the "tea party" into a "battlefield."

Iran's Foreign Minister Alagheli criticized on social media: "Britain, France, Germany, and the US are acting like 'might makes right,' thinking we'll kneel? No way!"

Pezeshkian also met with UN Secretary-General Guterres, condemning the sanctions as "unethical and illegal," and emphasizing that Iran would not withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty — but warning that negotiations would only be possible if Israel stopped "tampering" with nuclear facilities. He also revealed that the US had once promised "three months of grace in exchange for all your uranium stockpile," and Iran bluntly replied, "You're dreaming!" BBC analyzed that there is also division within Iran: hardliners want to "stand firm," while moderates fear "economic collapse." The double-edged sword of sanctions might push Iran further toward nuclear weapons. Who knows? Perhaps the next meeting of the Security Council needs to add a "humorous clause": tell a joke before voting to ease the atmosphere.

In summary, this "restart" is like a "class reunion" after 10 years — it was supposed to be a reunion, but instead became an "accounting session." China and Russia did not "veto" directly, not because they were unwilling, but because the rules wouldn't allow it; however, the game of diplomacy still needs to continue. The tough words of the Iranian president sound relieving, but the economic pressure is huge, and the people's livelihood isn't something to be played with. The United Nations' drama sequel is likely to be even more "exciting" — look forward to it, don't blink!



Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7555328266081501711/

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