The United States Calls for a Security Council Meeting Regarding Iran's 'Missile Test'

Following a request from the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations for action regarding a 'missile test' reportedly conducted by Iran, the United States has called for an emergency meeting of the Security Council. According to diplomats cited by AFP, this emergency meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, February 1, New York time. This is the first time the Donald Trump administration has requested an emergency meeting in the Security Council. In a statement issued by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, it is stated, 'In light of Iran's short-range ballistic missile test on January 29, the United States calls for an immediate meeting of the Security Council.' This meeting is set to occur following a Security Council session related to Syria. Just hours before the news of the U.S. request for a Security Council meeting was released, the White House spokesperson stated that the administration is reviewing reports regarding the details of 'this test.' Sean Spicer added that the United States is still unaware of the exact nature of this test but expects to obtain more information on the matter. Reuters reported on January 30, citing an unnamed U.S. official, that Iran tested a 'medium-range missile' on Sunday, which 'exploded after traveling approximately one thousand kilometers.' The location of this test attributed to Iran is said to be near Semnan. The release of reports regarding the missile test comes as the French Foreign Minister is in Tehran, continuing European countries' efforts to preserve the nuclear agreement and engage in discussions with Iranian officials. According to UN Security Council Resolution 1929, 'Iran is prohibited from undertaking activities related to ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads,' and countries around the world have been urged to 'take all necessary measures to prevent the transfer of technology and technical assistance related to them.' Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, stated that this 'missile test' is a weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and 'its danger is not only to Israel but to the entire region.' Iran has consistently emphasized that it does not intend to produce nuclear weapons and considers the basis for missile tests capable of carrying nuclear warheads to be invalid. Currently, there is an agreement between Iran and six world powers that has limited Tehran's nuclear program and lifted related sanctions. Tehran has not yet reacted to the recent events.