John Kirby Considers Qassem Soleimani's Possible Presence in Aleppo a Violation of UN Security Council Resolution

The spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated in a press conference on Monday that the potential visit of the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to Syria constitutes a violation of Resolution 2231, and the United States intends to bring this matter to the United Nations Security Council. Part of the press conference on December 20 included discussions about Iran and recent statements by Tehran officials regarding the nuclear agreement, the extension of 10-year sanctions against Iran, and a request for a meeting of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) implementation committee. A reporter referenced images of Qassem Soleimani in Aleppo and asked if the U.S. plans to respond to his visit, given that this is not the first time he has traveled to Syria. This question was raised in connection with sanctions related to the foreign travels of the Quds Force commander. John Kirby emphasized that the U.S. government plans to address this issue at the UN Security Council and reflect Washington's concerns. Kirby stated, 'We have repeatedly made it clear that we want Iran to show what choice it is making and whether it intends to help peacefully resolve the Syrian crisis or wants to do something that keeps [the crisis] ongoing.' He then addressed the reporter, saying, 'You are absolutely right. His trip is a violation [of the resolution]. He is one of the individuals named. No exceptions have been made in this regard, and therefore this trip means a violation of Resolution 2231. And as I said, we will bring it to the Security Council.' Resolution 2231 was adopted in July 2015 during the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers at the UN Security Council. This resolution signifies support for the nuclear agreement while still imposing restrictions, including on ballistic missile technology or heavy weaponry. Additionally, certain individuals remain on the travel ban list. Previously, for example, Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, mentioned in his July report to the Security Council the 'trip of Qassem Soleimani to Iraq' and his name being on the sanctions list. At that time, Iran stated that Soleimani traveled to Fallujah at the request of the Iraqi government. Iraq also stated that it was fully aware of its commitments, but this resolution is 'long, very technical, and confusing.' In Kirby's press conference, he was also asked about Soleimani's previous trip to Russia and that Russia itself is a member of the sanctions committee. The U.S. spokesperson acknowledged that this issue has been raised but did not know the exact outcome. Washington had previously confirmed that it was reviewing the matter of the Quds Force commander's trip to Russia, despite UN sanctions. Samantha Power, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, stated, 'UN Security Council sanctions require all countries in the world to deny Qassem Soleimani entry into their countries, and only with the permission of the Security Council sanctions committee against Iran can exceptions be made in this regard.' Mr. Soleimani was placed on the UN sanctions list in 2007.