Vassily Nebenzia is Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, a long-time diplomat involved in security and foreign policy, now at the center of UN conversations amid Iran sanctions, Iran tensions, and regional diplomacy.
The UN Security Council has seen renewed disagreement as Russia and China veto a US-led bid to extend the independent sanctions-monitoring panel for Iran. Eleven members vote in favor; Pakistan and Somalia abstain. Sanctions reimposed last year remain in force amid continuing questions about Iran’s nuclear activity.
The UN Security Council has conducted a straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Rodrigues-Birkett leading the field, followed by Grynspan and Grossi. Several other contenders remain, and a formal vote in the General Assembly will determine the outcome. The process involves nine votes in the Council and potential vetoes by the five permanent members.