In a statement released on November 30, France, Germany, and Britain condemned the Iranian regime’s unveiling of a new ballistic missile on November 19.
The statement emphasizes the regime’s continuation of its missile program despite repeated requests from the international community to halt its development. The regime has ignored the limitations imposed by the United Nations for years and continues to develop its missile program.
The three countries, known as the “E3” or the three European powers, stated that Iran’s continued development of its ballistic missile program is “in line with Iran’s nuclear provocation” and “lacks any credible non-military justification.” They added that these tensions also pose a serious threat to global and regional security.
The “E3” countries reaffirmed their commitment to taking diplomatic steps to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to hold it accountable for its destabilizing activities in the region and internationally.
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, stated in a statement on October 18 that the development, procurement, and proliferation of missiles and missile-related technology by the Iranian regime is one of the greatest challenges to international peace and security.
He further stressed the terrifying impact of Iran’s provision of these missiles and drones to terrorist organizations and proxy militias that directly threaten the security of Israel and U.S. partners in the Persian Gulf.
On the same day, the United States and 46 other countries issued a joint statement committing themselves to take all necessary measures to prevent the supply, sale, or transfer of items, materials, equipment, goods, and technologies related to Iranian ballistic missiles.
Blinken also referred to the expiration of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 regarding the restrictions imposed on Iran’s missile activities, stating that the United States once again emphasizes its commitment to using every tool to counter the development, production, and proliferation of Iran’s missiles, drones, and other dangerous weapons.
According to Blinken, these tools include sanctions, export controls, diplomatic engagement, cooperation with private industries, and prohibitions as appropriate and provided for in law and other circumstances.
The US Secretary of State also mentioned that the United States is continuing its efforts to identify individuals and entities involved in Iranian missile activities and conventional arms and Iranian drones, including activities in Russia, China, Venezuela, and other locations.
Based on the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, on October 18, the limitations imposed by the United Nations on some of Iran’s arms programs were lifted. However, the lifting of these sanctions was conditional on the Iranian government not engaging in any prohibited arms activities, including those related to the design of ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons, during the eight years from the conclusion of the JCPOA agreement until the expiration of these sanctions. In recent years, the Iranian regime has been accused of violating this resolution by the United States and JCPOA parties.
