Pakistan, Sept. 19 -- Pakistan has abstained from a US-backed UN Security Council resolution to extend independent monitoring of sanctions on Iran, state media reported on Friday, as vetoes by Russia and China ended the mandate of the expert panel responsible for oversight.

The resolution received 11 votes in favor, with Russia and China voting against it and Pakistan and Somalia abstaining. As permanent council members, Moscow and Beijing were able to block the measure despite its majority support.

The sanctions were restored in September 2025 after Britain, France and Germany invoked the "snapback" mechanism contained in the 2015 nuclear agreement, accusing Tehran of violating its commitments. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and d...