Forty-six countries simultaneously called for the continuation of missile sanctions against the Iranian regime, following the end of Iran’s arms sanctions based on UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which was passed in 2015.
According to a joint statement released by the US State Department on October 18, these countries stated that the lifting of Iran’s missile sanctions was contingent on the regime’s adherence to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the regime has been violating for several years.
The statement highlights that Iran’s missile program remains one of the greatest international challenges to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It further emphasizes that Iran currently possesses the largest stockpile of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, and its missile program continues to pose a threat to regional countries and beyond.
The statement also asserts that Iran’s transfer of missile and drone technology to its proxies and surrogate groups jeopardizes international stability and exacerbates regional tensions.
Referring to Iran’s non-compliance with the JCPOA as a basis for keeping the missile sanctions in place, these countries have stated that it is essential for all nations to continue countering Iran’s destabilizing missile activities.
The joint statement underscores the need for effective measures to prevent the transfer of missile and drone-related equipment to Iran or from Iran to other countries. It emphasizes the importance of swift information exchange on this issue, along with the examination and deterrent efforts of each country to counter Iran’s missile and drone program.
The European Union and the United States had previously announced that these sanctions would remain due to Iran’s non-compliance with the JCPOA.
On Wednesday, Australia and the United States also imposed sanctions on dozens of individuals and entities in Iran that were previously under UN Security Council sanctions.
Meanwhile, Russia and Iran have declared that the missile restrictions against the Iranian regime, based on UN Security Council Resolution 2231, have “ended.”
On Wednesday, the regime’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Support referred to the end of missile sanctions as an “opportunity to demonstrate authority and strengthen defense capabilities” in a statement.
The statement further asserts that Iran’s Ministry of Defense is determined to pursue the enhancement of missile and armament capabilities in accordance with the requirements of the country’s national security doctrine.
The US government took new actions to intensify efforts to counter Iran’s missile program and drone production despite the expiration of the United Nations Security Council sanctions on Iran’s missile program.
The expiration date of the Security Council resolution regarding Iran’s missile program was one of the complementary measures to the JCPOA. The JCPOA, signed between Iran and world powers in July 2015, lifted part of the international sanctions against Iran in exchange for strict limitations on its nuclear activities.
The US Treasury Department announced on October 18 that it has imposed sanctions on 11 individuals, eight companies and entities, and one vessel based in Iran, Hong Kong, China, and Venezuela for assisting the Islamic Republic in “the production of ballistic missiles and drones.”
In addition to pressuring Iran’s missile and drone programs, these sanctions will make arms trade between Iran and countries such as Russia and Venezuela, including the sale of drones to Russia used against civilians in Ukraine, more difficult.
A US official stated that despite the expiration of the Security Council resolution, it can be observed that Russia and Iran are perceived as odious and isolated by many countries worldwide.
The Biden administration has faced criticism from Republican opponents for the prisoner exchange with Iran that took place a few weeks before Hamas’s attack on Israel, with some accusing President Biden of using the freed Iranian assets to fund attacks by proxy groups such as Hamas.
In September, six American citizens were released in exchange for the unfreezing of $6 billion of Iranian assets in South Korean banks. The money was transferred to Qatar, and Washington states that it can only be used for humanitarian purchases.
