A resolution to permanently lift international sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program has been rejected by a vote of the United Nations Security Council.

Analysts believe that this could further increase economic pressure on Iran. Tehran says the decision is "politically biased."

The Security Council voted on the resolution on Friday, and the resolution was rejected, meaning that existing sanctions on Iran will remain in place until September 28.

Of the 15 members of the Security Council, permanent and non-permanent, four countries voted in favor of the resolution. Nine countries voted against it. The remaining two countries abstained from voting.

Russia, China, Pakistan and Algeria voted in favor of lifting sanctions on Iran and not imposing new ones.

The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Denmark, Greece, Panama and Somalia voted not to lift sanctions on Iran, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA.

IRNA also reported that Guyana and South Korea abstained from voting.

After the vote, Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeed Iravani, said, "Today's (Friday) decision in the Security Council was taken in haste. It is unnecessary and illegal."

The Iranian ambassador also said that three influential European countries are trying to impose new sanctions on Iran. This initiative is not only baseless, but also a direct blow to international law and the credibility of the Security Council.