by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – Russia is circulating a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council aimed at extending the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) for six months, delaying any action on snapback sanctions until April 18, 2026.
The move comes as the accord is set to expire on October 18, with negotiations underway in Geneva between Iran and the so-called E3—Britain, France, and Germany. The Russian draft would not only extend the pact but also suspend “any substantive consideration” of compliance issues during that time, effectively shielding Tehran from immediate international pressure.
Moscow, which assumes the rotating Security Council presidency in September, could leverage the role to protect Iran from punitive measures. Western officials worry that the resolution is designed to buy Tehran more time while avoiding tough accountability measures.
Both London and Paris have warned of triggering snapback sanctions over Iran’s refusal to allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors access to its nuclear sites, high enrichment levels, and unanswered questions about undeclared nuclear material. In June, the IAEA board formally censured Tehran.
The United States, which withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, has no authority to trigger the snapback mechanism at the Security Council. Resolution 2231 prevents any veto if one member formally declares Iran noncompliant—making the looming decision from the E3 pivotal.
Iran, for its part, has refused inspections following U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities earlier this year. The E3 has set the end of August as the deadline for Tehran to return to talks or face renewed sanctions.
Prophecy Watch: Russia & Iran Ties
The growing partnership between Russia and Iran is drawing attention from many Bible students who connect it with the Gog and Magog prophecy found in Ezekiel 38–39.
In that passage, the prophet describes a future coalition led by “Gog, of the land of Magog” that comes against Israel. Ancient names, such as Persia (modern Iran) and northern powers often associated with Russia, appear prominently in the text.
While timelines are debated, many see today’s strategic alignment between Moscow and Tehran as a foreshadowing of end-time alliances foretold long ago.
“You will come from your place out of the remote parts of the north… and many peoples with you.” (Ezekiel 38:15)
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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