UN Security Council votes against lifting Iran ‘snapback’ sanctions

Intensified diplomacy between Iran and European countries has taken place in recent weeks (Ronald Zak/AP)

A UN Security Council resolution aimed at halting the reimposition of sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme failed on Friday after weeks of last-ditch diplomatic talks appeared to break down days before the annual United Nations gathering of world leaders.

Also on Friday, the United Nations General Assembly voted to allow Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address its annual meeting of world leaders by video after the United States revoked his visa last month.