The United Nations Security Council on Friday voted to restore sweeping economic sanctions against Iran, citing concerns over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program. Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, rejected the allegations and blasted the sanctions vote. Washington subsequently reimposed sanctions, arguing that Iran was continuing to pursue nuclear weapons capabilities—an accusation Iran has consistently denied. The situation deteriorated further after this summer’s 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which saw Israeli airstrikes—and reported U.S. support—target key Iranian nuclear facilities. Just before the sanctions vote, Iran withdrew a draft resolution at the IAEA that sought to ban attacks on nuclear facilities, citing what it described as U.S. pressure.