Araghchi to meet European counterparts in NYC next week, envoy says

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

"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."