The Security Council Takes New Monitoring Measures Regarding Iran

The United Nations Security Council is adopting new measures to monitor sanctions related to the sale of weapons and intercontinental missiles, as well as other issues not exempt from sanctions concerning Iran's nuclear program. The new monitoring measures replace a committee that reported to the Security Council on the implementation of international sanctions against Iran; this is the same committee that had previously indicated the Emad missile test was in violation of ongoing sanctions before the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Uruguay, the rotating president of the UN Security Council, has called for practical arrangements and new methods to ensure full compliance with commitments related to the nuclear agreement. According to the Associated Press, one of the 15 members of the Security Council is to be appointed as a coordinator, and Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, is also expected to be asked to officially support the Council's actions. International sanctions against Iran's nuclear program were lifted on January 15, but other sanctions, such as those regarding arms sales, remain in effect for five years. However, if the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms the entirely peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, these sanctions may end sooner. There are also sanctions regarding the transfer of technology related to the construction of intercontinental missiles to Iran, which are to be maintained for up to eight years. In addition to all this, there are unilateral sanctions from the United States that have recently targeted more individuals and entities following new missile tests in Iran. However, these sanctions are outside the purview of the United Nations and are applied separately. The UN Security Council will also monitor the implementation of the nuclear agreement. The Council will have responsibilities including accountability and investigation regarding information related to actions that contradict commitments. The Security Council must also act on a case-by-case basis regarding any request from a member state of the UN and monitor Iran's actions. These requests may relate to enrichment, uranium production, or the transfer, sale, or use of certain nuclear technologies. Under the new measures, the UN Secretary-General is required to report to the UN Security Council every six months on the implementation of the nuclear agreement.