US, Allies Clash with Russia, China over Iran Nuclear Sanctions

The United States and its Western allies clashed with Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council over Iran's nuclear intentions. Washington sought to justify its recent war on Iran and re-impose U.N. sanctions, accusing Moscow and Beijing of protecting Tehran and maintaining prohibited defense cooperation. Russia and China unsuccessfully attempted to block discussions on a committee overseeing Iran sanctions. The International===International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that Iran has accumulated uranium enriched up to 60 percent and refused access to its stockpile, raising international concerns. U.S. President Donald Trump has used Iran's nuclear program to justify military action, while Russia and China accuse the U.S. of instigating the crisis and escalating tensions in the Middle East.