Haley: Iran Violates Other Restrictions While Hiding Behind Technical Compliance with the JCPOA

Nikki Haley, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, called on the Security Council on Wednesday, October 18, to adopt a more serious approach towards Iran. According to the Associated Press, Ms. Haley emphasized in her speech at the UN Security Council regarding the Middle East that Iran is hiding behind claims of technical compliance with the nuclear agreement (JCPOA) while brazenly violating other restrictions regarding its actions. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN also accused Iran of 'playing' the Security Council. Ms. Haley further stressed that Iran has consistently ignored Security Council resolutions concerning its support for terrorism and regional conflicts. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN also urged the Security Council to adopt an approach similar to that of the Trump administration towards Iran and to address all aspects of what she termed Iran's 'aggressive, destabilizing, and illegal behaviors.' Haley referred to a list of Iran's actions in the region and called for a response to the country's missile tests. She continued by stating, 'When a rogue government is on the path to (building) ballistic missiles, it tells you that you will soon have another North Korea.' The U.S. Ambassador to the UN stated that the Security Council now has the opportunity to change its approach towards Iran. Ms. Haley emphasized, 'I sincerely hope that the Security Council will take advantage of this opportunity and support not only its resolutions but also peace, security, and human rights in Iran.' While Ms. Haley called on the Security Council to adopt an approach similar to that of the U.S. government, last week Donald Trump stated that under his new strategy towards Iran, based on credible information he has received, he is unable to confirm Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement. He warned that if we cannot reach a solution on this matter in cooperation with Congress and our allies, we will withdraw from the nuclear agreement. Mr. Trump and his administration view 'Iran's destabilizing behaviors' as evidence of Tehran's non-compliance with an agreement that is supposed to lead to Iran's participation in regional and global peace and stability. Iran rejects the U.S. accusations of interference in the region and engaging in destabilizing actions.