Russia and China Block U.S. UN Security Council Agenda

The Government of Russia and the Government of China blocked the adoption of the monthly programme of work drafted by the United States for its March presidency of the UN Security Council. The deadlock centered on a proposed briefing regarding the 1737 Sanctions Committee concerning Iran. Russian officials stated they were compelled to object after the U.S. ignored appeals to remove the event from the schedule.

The disputed briefing related to the snapback mechanism triggered by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in September 2025 to reimpose sanctions on Iran following nuclear commitment failures. This diplomatic clash occurs amid severe regional instability, following military strikes by the U.S. and Israel that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and prompted retaliatory attacks across West Asia.

In response to the failure to adopt the official programme, the U.S. released a separate Plan of Work. Ambassador Michael Waltz cancelled a scheduled press conference following the stalemate. Separately, First Lady Melania Trump chaired a March 2 Security Council meeting focusing on children, technology, and education in conflict zones.