India, Sept. 27 -- A resolution to extend sanctions relief to Iran under a 2015 nuclear deal failed to pass in the UN Security Council on Friday.

China and Russia tabled the draft which received four votes in favour, nine against and two abstentions.

The text sought to extend the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for six months until next April, as well as Council resolution 2231(2015) that endorsed it. It also encouraged continued engagement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The rejection means that sanctions that were lifted under the deal will be re-imposed starting on Saturday evening.

China's representative deeply regretted that the resolution was not adopted and called for upholding regiona...