Power: The Security Council Should Not Allow Iran to Violate Resolutions

Samantha Power, the United States representative to the United Nations, stated that following reports of Iran's 'violation' of one of the resolutions related to Iran after the 'Emad' missile test, the U.S. will exert pressure for practical actions against Tehran. The U.S. representative at the UN, along with Britain, France, and Germany, had called for investigations into the 'Emad' test, asserting that Washington will push for actions regarding the violation of resolutions. A group of UN observers on Iran sanctions recently reported that the country's missile test less than two months ago violated a UN Security Council resolution. They also added that the 'Emad' missile is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, which constitutes a violation under Resolution 1929. On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had previously stated that Tehran considers the resolutions prior to Resolution 2231 as 'invalid' and does not feel obligated to implement them. Resolution 2231 was issued following the Iran nuclear agreement with six world powers and supports that agreement. This resolution calls on Iran not to engage in activities related to ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Iran claims that none of its missiles are designed to carry nuclear warheads. On December 15, Power stated that the UN Security Council 'cannot allow Iran to think that it can violate resolutions without any consequences.' She also noted that some members of the Security Council, despite evidence of violations of certain resolutions, refrain from taking action against Tehran following the Iran and 5+1 nuclear agreement. This U.S. official referred to the 'visit of Qassem Soleimani' to Moscow, stating that despite him being on the UN travel ban list, no action has been taken against Tehran. Russia has denied Soleimani's trip to Moscow. Iran and Russia are considered major supporters of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and it has been said that one reason for the Quds Force commander's trip to Moscow was related to Syria. Besides Power, the White House also announced on December 15 that if Iran's violation of UN resolutions is confirmed, new sanctions against Iran may be considered. Josh Earnest, the White House spokesman, stated that President Barack Obama would support new sanctions against Iran if intelligence officials confirm that these sanctions would ensure the country's security. The 'Emad' missile test was the first medium-range ground-to-ground missile test following the nuclear agreement between Tehran and six world powers.