UN Security Council Session Concludes: No Move to Reimpose Sanctions on Iran
In a significant diplomatic development, a recent attempt by three European parties to the JCPOA to reinstate terminated UN sanctions against Iran has failed to gain traction within the Security Council.
A Firm Legal Stance
The outcome was analyzed by senior Iranian diplomat Esmaeil Baghaei during a legal conference at the University of Tehran. He detailed that the European initiative was fundamentally flawed from a legal standpoint. “We stated from the beginning that this move by the Europeans is illegal,” Baghaei asserted, emphasizing that Iran’s position is rooted in international law, not merely political posturing.
Lack of Consensus in the Security Council
Baghaei explained that the attempt did not result in any decision by the Security Council. He highlighted a clear lack of consensus, noting that two permanent members, China and Russia, opposed the measure. Furthermore, other members of the council also declared their opposition or abstained, leaving the European effort without the necessary support. This, according to the Iranian diplomat, has created a “legal confusion” within the UN body, demonstrating the absence of a unified international will against Iran.
Broad International Support for Iran’s Position
The Iranian official pointed to widespread international backing for Tehran’s legal interpretation. He revealed that during a recent ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Uganda, nearly 120 countries supported Iran’s view. This collective stance reinforced the conclusion that the European move “lacks legal legitimacy.”
Addressing Regional Aggression
Shifting focus to regional tensions, the diplomat also addressed what he termed an “unprovoked military aggression” against Iran. He firmly rejected the justification of “preemptive strike” used by the Israeli regime, stating that such a concept holds no place in international law. Baghaei affirmed Iran’s right to self-defense against attacks and detailed the Foreign Ministry’s ongoing efforts to document these violations for future legal recourse.
Despite acknowledging challenges, including what he described as the protection of the Israeli regime by the United States and some Western nations from accountability, Baghaei stressed that Iran remains undeterred. He confirmed that Tehran will continue its legal documentation and pursue justice for its citizens through all available international and domestic channels.