The United Nations is preparing to reimpose extensive economic and military sanctions on Iran, nearly a decade after they were lifted under a significant international agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program. This action follows a formal complaint from the UK, France, and Germany to the UN Security Council, which accused Iran of not meeting its commitments. This led to a 30-day window for Iran to seek a diplomatic resolution to avoid renewed sanctions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the forthcoming sanctions as “unfair, unjust, and illegal.” A motion by China and Russia to postpone the sanctions for six months garnered only four out of 15 votes in the Security Council, indicating limited support for such delays. The sanctions are set to take effect at midnight GMT on Sunday.
The situation escalated after the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 under President Donald Trump, who deemed the deal unsatisfactory, which spurred Iran to enhance its nuclear activities. Recent reports indicate that Iran has restricted access for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors following military strikes on its nuclear sites by Israel and the US.
In an address to the UN, President Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran does not aim to develop nuclear weapons. However, he emphasized the need for assurances against attacks on its nuclear facilities to normalize Iran’s enrichment program. He also accused foreign powers of using superficial pretexts to exacerbate regional tensions.
The impending sanctions include an arms embargo, restrictions on uranium enrichment, a ban on missile-related activities, asset freezes, travel bans on Iranian officials, and provisions allowing the inspection of Iranian cargo by other nations. If a diplomatic solution is not found, EU sanctions are anticipated to follow shortly. Meanwhile, Iran remains in discussions with the IAEA to ensure compliance with international treaty obligations, stating that sanctions could jeopardize these talks.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c39rpgpvwy1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss