UN Security Council endorses Iran nuclear deal

The UN Security Council has unanimously endorsed the nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers agreed last week.

The resolution, co-sponsored by all 15 members, authorizes the lifting of sanctions in return for Iran curbing sensitive nuclear activities. But it also provides a mechanism for UN sanctions to "snap back" if Iran fails to comply with its obligations. No further action is required for 90 days, to give the US Congress time to consider whether to give its approval.

President Barack Obama said he hoped the resolution would "send a clear message" to critics that the "overwhelming number of countries" recognised diplomacy was "by far our strongest approach to ensuring that Iran does not get a nuclear weapon". (BBC)