The reimposition of United Nations sanctions on Iran has drawn closer after the Security Council in New York rejected a draft resolution that would have prolonged their suspension.

Economic sanctions first imposed between 2006 and 2010 are now expected to take effect again on September 28, unless a last-minute agreement is reached with Iran.

Germany, France and the United Kingdom - known collectively as the E3 states - triggered the so-called "snapback" sanctions mechanism in late August, accusing Iran of serious breaches of the landmark 2015 nuclear accord.

They cite, among other violations, uranium enrichment far beyond levels needed for civilian purposes.

As expected, the draft resolution put forth by South Korea to keep sanctions relief in place failed to win the required nine vote

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