US Ambassador to the UN: The Security Council Should Not Overlook Iran's Actions in the Region

Samantha Power, the Obama administration's ambassador to the UN, in her last meeting at the Security Council before handing over to the Trump administration's ambassador, called for action against Iran's actions in creating what she described as "instability in the Middle East." On January 19, she urged the continuation of arms sanctions against Iran, stating that "progress on the issue of Iran's [nuclear] program should not lead the UN Security Council to overlook Iran's other actions in creating instability in the Middle East." The United States and its allies in West Asia have repeatedly accused Iran of "creating instability" in the region. For example, the US and several of its allies in the Middle East consider the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah as a "terrorist group," which Iran is a main ally and supporter of. Countries like Israel have emphasized that they will prevent any weapon shipments from Iran to this group. Iran has rejected criticisms of its actions in the West Asian region, and while making similar accusations against Washington and its allies, it claims to be "fighting terrorism." Samantha Power stated, "We in this (Security) Council need to work together to compel Iran to effectively fulfill its commitments related to Resolution 2231. In particular, restrictions on arms exports and similar matters should be enforced." The UN Security Council had supported the final agreement reached between Iran and the P5+1 group on July 29, 2015, through a resolution. In this resolution, nuclear sanctions were lifted, but several arms restrictions remain in place; for instance, the transfer of ballistic missile technology and heavy weapons to Iran must be approved by Security Council members, which the United States has stated it would veto. Restrictions on ballistic missile technology lasted for eight years, and heavy weapons restrictions for five years, while conventional arms sanctions against Iran also continue for five years. Iran has emphasized that it will continue its military activities, such as developing its missile program, which it claims is "for defensive purposes." Power will hand over her position in two days to Nikki Haley, the nominee proposed by Donald Trump to represent the US at the UN. Samantha Power is among those who say that the nuclear agreement between Iran and the six world powers has been effective and that it is wise for President-elect Donald Trump to adhere to it. Haley has recently stated that it would be better for Washington to "review" the nuclear agreement with Iran rather than unilaterally withdraw from it.