UN Secretary-General's Report on Iran's Missile Tests and Nuclear Agreement

The Associated Press reports that the UN Secretary-General has stated in a report to the Security Council that Iran has likely ignored the organization's demands to halt its ballistic missile program, although it has remained compliant with the nuclear agreement. A copy of the Secretary-General's latest report was received by the Associated Press on December 13. In this report, Antonio Guterres emphasized that the UN is investigating two missile launches from Yemen to Saudi Arabia on July 22 and November 4, and the possibility that Iran supplied these missiles to the Houthi rebels. Guterres's report regarding the UN resolution endorsing the nuclear agreement between Tehran and six world powers, which was established two years ago in July, is being presented to the UN Security Council. This report comes as the U.S. mission to the United Nations has stated that it will provide 'irrefutable evidence' regarding what it calls 'Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East and the world.' Reports indicate that Nikki Haley will address journalists regarding accusations related to Iran's military assistance to the Houthis and several other actions by Tehran. According to the Associated Press, Guterres's report emphasizes that the nuclear agreement with Iran is 'the best way' to ensure the completely peaceful nature of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. The Secretary-General stated that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision and the failure to confirm Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement have clearly put the future of the agreement in a state of 'uncertainty.' However, he acknowledged that 'I have been assured that the United States is committed to remaining in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.' Trump has not ruled out a complete U.S. exit from the JCPOA. In his last report to Congress on the nuclear agreement on October 13, he refrained from confirming Tehran's compliance. According to the U.S. government, Iran has violated the 'spirit' of the JCPOA; Iran has made a similar accusation against the U.S., claiming that Washington is obstructing the full implementation of the JCPOA. The international body monitoring Iran's commitments and also the U.S. Western allies have so far confirmed Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement. European countries have also criticized some of Iran's actions in the region and Tehran's missile tests. Antonio Guterres has welcomed the support of other countries involved in the agreement with Iran for the JCPOA in his report to the Security Council. In addition to the U.S. government, the governments of China, Russia, France, Britain, and Germany were also present in negotiations with Tehran. Alongside this, the Secretary-General emphasized that the UN is conducting investigations regarding reports of missile transfers to the Houthi rebels. Guterres confirmed that in a letter from France, Britain, Germany, and the United States to the UN, it was stated that Iran's Simorgh satellite launch vehicle tested last summer, if it proves effective for a ballistic missile, 'inherently has the capability to carry nuclear warheads.' Guterres added that Russia also sent a letter stating that the Security Council resolution endorsing the nuclear agreement 'requested' Iran to halt its missile program and did not impose 'obstruction' on its continuation. Guterres also referenced Israel's objections regarding the Qiam missile on November 15, 2016, and 'the use of the Star of David as a test target' and the missiles launched from Iran to Syria. France, Germany, Britain, and the U.S. have also raised this issue with the UN. Iran claims it has no intention of producing nuclear weapons or missiles capable of carrying such warheads. Tehran has emphasized that its missile program is 'defensive' and it does not intend to abandon it. Antonio Guterres stated that Iran has described the accusations made by Israel as 'purely false.' According to the Associated Press, Guterres has urged the United States to remain committed to the nuclear agreement and to 'pay attention' to its impact on the region. The Secretary-General has also urged Iran to 'carefully' consider the concerns raised by other parties in the nuclear agreement. Previously, in the third 'six-month' report of the UN Secretary-General on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2231 and Iran's nuclear agreement with six world powers, Guterres called on all countries party to this agreement to adhere to their commitments. In that report, the Secretary-General had asked Iran to refrain from missile tests as they could increase tensions.