Iran says 'unlawful' UN sanctions move undermines diplomacy

"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.

"Iran has enriched uranium well above the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action JCPOA limits in a manner for which there is no credible civilian purpose," Acting US Representative to the United Nations Dorothy Shea said after carrying the day in a UN Security Council vote.

"The practical effect of this bill is that, absent any further action by the Council, the pre-2015 UN sanctions on Iran are re imposed following the end of the 30-day snap back period on September 27," she added.

The US envoy, however, said the path to diplomacy is still open.

"To be absolutely clear, our vote on this resolution does not impede the possibility of real diplomacy, despite any statements to the contrary."

Today's resolution fulfills a key step of a snap back process set out in Security Council resolution 2231," Britain's permanent representative to the United Nations Barbara Woodward said after prevailing in a UNSC vote not to permanently lift international sanctions on Iran.

"The United Kingdom is committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution to ensure that Iran shall never seek, acquire or develop a nuclear weapon," she added.

"That is why, on the 28th of August, the United Kingdom, France and Germany, notified this council of Iran's clear and deliberate non compliance."