Iran recalls envoys to UK, France and Germany after China-backed UN resolution fails
Vote clearing way for sanctions prompts Beijing to warn of ‘breakdown’ in nuclear issue that could ‘trigger a new regional security crisis’
Iran has recalled its ambassadors to Britain, France and Germany, according to its state media.
The move came hours after the UN Security Council voted down a resolution backed by China and Russia seeking to prevent the reimposition of global sanctions against the Islamic republic.
The proposal received four votes in favour – from China, Russia, Pakistan and Algeria – while Guyana and South Korea abstained. Nine council members voted against – the United States, Britain, Denmark, France, Greece, Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Somalia.
“Our country’s officials, while condemning this bullying and illegal process, have emphasised that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never surrender to bullying and pressure,” Iran’s official Islamic Republic News Agency reported on Saturday.
“Tehran has always stated that it remains ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and the real lifting of sanctions,” it added. “But any policy of pressure and threats will be met with a decisive response from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
