Israel welcomes UN vote, says it won't allow nuclear threat from Iran

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had a phone call with the UN nuclear watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi, according to Iranian media reports.

In the phone call, Iran’s foreign minister criticized what he called the dominance of political considerations over the IAEA Board of Governors’ meeting, according to Iran's Foreign Ministry.

The two sides discussed the latest status of the Cairo agreement between Iran and the IAEA, the issue of the sanctions' snapback, and the draft resolution on continuing sanctions relief at the UN Security Council.

"Araghchi stressed that Iran, as a responsible country, has always pursued the path of diplomacy and technical cooperation to resolve issues related to its nuclear program, and rejects any political measures or unfair pressure that could escalate tensions."

Amir-Saeid Iravani, Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations called a Security Council resolution which advanced European-triggered international sanctions on Tehran "hasty, unnecessary and unlawful."

"This reckless step undermines dialog without aggressions and sets a dangerous precedent," he added. "The E3 and the US, in coordination with Israel, are spreading false claims that Iran's nuclear program threatens peace and security."

"The impartiality of this council has been compromised."

"To be absolutely clear, our vote on this resolution does not impede the possibility of real diplomacy, despite any statements to the contrary," Acting US Representative to the United Nations Dorothy Shea said.

"It is incumbent on the international community to not accept Iranian half measures or efforts to delay accountability," she added.

"We must, with one voice press leadership in Iran to choose the path of peace and, by extension, prosperity for the Iranian people."

Countries voting for permanently lifting Iran sanctions: Algeria, China, Pakistan and Russia

Voting against: Denmark, France, Greece, Panama, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Somalia, Britain and the United States

Abstaining: Guyana and South Korea

An adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Friday that current US sanctions are several times harsher than the UN sanctions that might be restored through the snapback mechanism.

"Iran will turn new challenges into opportunities," Mohammad Mokhber said.