The first country to use the veto power in the United Nations Security Council was the Soviet Union. This occurred on February 17, 1946, when the Soviet Union vetoed a resolution regarding the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Iran.
The veto power is a special right granted to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council:
- China
- France
- Russia (formerly the Soviet Union)
- United Kingdom
- United States
This power allows these countries to block any resolution, regardless of how many other members support it. The veto power was designed to ensure that the five permanent members, who were the victors of World War II, would have a significant say in international affairs.
However, the veto power has been criticized for being undemocratic and for allowing powerful countries to block important resolutions that could help address global challenges.
