The US resolution to extend the arms embargo on Iran failed to get the required number of votes during a UN Security Council session on Friday, as the majority of the members abstained.

In a statement, the Security Council announced on 14 August its failure to adopt a draft resolution aimed at extending arms-related restrictions on Iran, set to expire in October under resolution 2231 (2015).

Russia and China voted against, while 11 members abstained including France, Germany and Britain. The United States and the Dominican Republic were the only votes in favour.

Tabled by the United States, the text would have had the Council decide acting under Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations that paragraph 5, as well as subparagraphs (b) and (e) of paragraph 6, Annex B of resolution 2231 (2015), continue to apply until the Council decides otherwise, notwithstanding the duration specified in each paragraph or subparagraph.

Russia and China strongly opposed extending the 13-year ban, which was due to expire on October 18 under a 2015 nuclear deal signed between Iran and six world powers.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement the United Nations Security Council "failed today to uphold its fundamental mission" of maintaining international peace and security.

Reuters adds: Iran's president said on Saturday the United States suffered a humiliating defeat with the UN Security Council's refusal to extend the arms embargo on Tehran.

"I don't remember the United States preparing a resolution for months to strike a blow at the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it garners only one vote," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech. "But the great success was that the United States was defeated in this conspiracy with humiliation."

"It's a serious mistake, we regret that," Pompeo said on Saturday in a news conference during a visit to Poland.

The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but that it would face a tough, messy battle.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi said the Security Council's decision not to extend the arms embargo on Iran will lead to further Middle East instability.

The Security Council vote followed a proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit of world leaders to avoid "confrontation" over the American threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Tehran.



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