United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231

Last updated
UN Security Council
Resolution 2231
Iran Nuclear Negotiators 2014-02-18.jpg
Iran Nuclear Negotiators in 2014
Date20 July 2015
Meeting no.7488
CodeS/RES/2231 (Document)
SubjectNuclear program of Iran
Voting summary
  • 15 voted for
  • None voted against
  • None abstained
  • None absent
ResultAdopted
Security Council composition
Permanent members
Non-permanent members
←  2230 Lists of resolutions 2232  →

United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 was a 20 July 2015 resolution endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the nuclear program of Iran. It sets out an inspection process and schedule while also preparing for the removal of United Nations sanctions against Iran. The 15 nations on the Security Council unanimously endorsed the resolution, which had been negotiated by the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—plus Germany, the European Union, and Iran. [1]

Contents

Iran reaction

After the resolution, the Iranian Foreign Affairs minister said: ″the Iranian nation should feel fundamental changes in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2231″. [2]

Accusation of Iranian non-compliance

2016 missile tests

On 29 March 2016, the United States, the UK, France, and Germany wrote a joint letter to Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon accusing Iran of "defying" Security Council Resolution 2231 through missile tests conducted since the deal. The letter said the missiles were "inherently capable of delivering nuclear weapons". However, it stopped short of saying the tests were illegal. Resolution 2231 calls for Iran to refrain from activity related to nuclear-capable missiles ("Iran is called upon not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology" [3] ), but according to unnamed diplomats in a Deutsche Welle report, the language is not legally binding and cannot be enforced with punitive measures. [4]

2020 drone attacks

On 9 June 2020, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres stated in his biennial report to the UNSC on the Iran arms embargo that cruise missiles used in multiple 2019 attacks on Saudi Arabia had Iranian origin. Cruise missiles or drones used in the 2019 Afif attack, the 2019 Abqaiq–Khurais attack and the 2019 Abha International Airport attacks had Iranian origin, as were several items of materiel interdicted by the US in November 2019 and February 2020. Some items were allegedly transferred[ clarification needed ] between February 2016 and April 2018 in a matter possibly "inconsistent" with Resolution 2231: [5]

The Secretariat assesses that the cruise missiles and/or parts thereof used in the four attacks are of Iranian origin.

At the time, US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft said that as a result of the Guterres report she would "circulate a draft resolution to extend the arms embargo on Iran soon". Diplomats said Washington could likely face a "tough, messy battle". [5]

2022 trafficking drones to Russia

On 18 October 2022 the U.S. State Department accused Iran of violating Resolution 2231 by selling Shahed 131 and Shahed 136 drones to Russia, [6] [7] agreeing with similar assessments by France and the United Kingdom. Iran denied sending arms for use in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. [8] [9] On 22 October France, Britain and Germany formally called for an investigation by the UN team responsible for UNSCR 2231. [10]

Responding to these accusations, Iran's ambassador to the UN wrote to the UNSC on 19 October and 24 October that this was an erroneous interpretation of paragraph 4 of annex B of the resolution, which clearly states it apples to items that "could contribute to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems", which these drones could not. [11] [12]

On 26 October, the procedural matter of if a group of member states could request the Secretariat to conduct an investigation rather than the Security Council as a whole deciding the matter was discussed at a meeting of the UNSC, with the United Nations Legal Counsel Miguel de Serpa Soares stating that United Nations Secretary-General and Secretariat staff "must not seek or receive instructions from any Government" but can take note of information brought to its attention. [13] [14] [15]

Motions to snapback sanctions

On 14 August 2020, a proposal by the US to extend arms restrictions on Iran set to expire in October of that year under resolution 2231 was defeated at the Security Council, with only the Dominican Republic voting with the US in favour, while China and Russia voted against. The remaining 11 members of the council, which included UK, German, French, Belgian, and Estonian delegations, abstained from the vote. In response to the defeat, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht-Ravanchi remarked that "the result of the vote in [the UNSC] on arms embargo against Iran shows—once more—the US' isolation. Council's message: no to unilateralism". [16] [17]

On 19 August 2020, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that his government intends to utilize the so-called snapback provision in ¶11 of the document, in which any member of the JCPOA can "demand the restoration of all UN sanctions". The motion for the snapback, which is intended in case of significant Iranian non-compliance with the resolution, "starts a 30-day clock during which the UNSC must vote affirmatively to continue the sanctions relief that Iran was given in return for curbs on its nuclear program". This UNSC vote "cannot be blocked by a veto". [18]

On 16 September 2020, Elliott Abrams, the US "special envoy for Iran", announced that all UN sanctions would "snap back" at 20:00 EDT on 19 September. Abrams said that "We expect all UN member states to implement their member state responsibilities and respect their obligations to uphold these sanctions. If other nations do not follow it, I think they should be asked... whether they do not think they are weakening the structure of UN sanctions." Other nations advocate a position whereby when the US abrogated the JCPOA it excluded itself from the JCPOA membership and hence no longer can benefit from the JCPOA. [19]

The embargo on conventional Iranian arms ended in October 2020 while restrictions on Iran regarding missiles and related technologies ended in October 2023. [20]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iran–United States relations</span> Bilateral relations

Iran and the United States have had no formal diplomatic relations since 7 April 1980. Instead, Pakistan serves as Iran's protecting power in the United States, while Switzerland serves as the United States' protecting power in Iran. Contacts are carried out through the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the US Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. In August 2018, Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei banned direct talks with the United States.

Economic sanctions are commercial and financial penalties applied by states or institutions against states, groups, or individuals. Economic sanctions are a form of coercion that attempts to get an actor to change its behavior through disruption in economic exchange. Sanctions can be intended to compel or deterrence.

An arms embargo is a restriction or a set of sanctions that applies either solely to weaponry or also to "dual-use technology." An arms embargo may serve one or more purposes:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1737</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 2006

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1737 was unanimously passed by the United Nations Security Council on 23 December 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1747</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 2007

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1747 was a United Nations Security Council resolution, written with reference to some IAEA reports, that tightened the sanctions imposed on Iran in connection with the Iranian nuclear program. It was adopted unanimously by the United Nations Security Council on 24 March 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1696</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 2006

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1696, adopted on July 31, 2006, after expressing concern at the intentions of the nuclear programme of Iran, the Council demanded that Iran halt its uranium enrichment programme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874</span> United Nations resolution adopted in 2009

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 was adopted unanimously by the United Nations Security Council on 12 June 2009. The resolution, passed under Chapter VII, Article 41, of the UN Charter, imposes further economic and commercial sanctions on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and encourages UN member states to search North Korean cargo, in the aftermath of an underground nuclear test conducted on 25 May 2009.

There have been a number of international sanctions against Iran imposed by a number of countries, especially the United States, and international entities. Iran was the most sanctioned country in the world until it was surpassed by Russia, following Russia's invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iran–European Union relations</span> Bilateral relations

European Union–Iran relations are the bilateral relations between Iran and the European Union (EU). The EU is Iran's largest trading partner, along with China and the United Arab Emirates. Trade with Iran is subject to the general EU import regime and the EU supports the goal of Iranian accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The EU has accused and criticized Iran for human rights violations, which led to diplomatic tensions, but both sides aim at improving and normalizing relations. Should Turkey's accession to the EU take place, Iran will border the European Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Nations Security Council Resolution 1929</span> United Nations Security Council resolution

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1929, adopted on 9 June 2010, after recalling resolutions 1696 (2006), 1737 (2006), 1747 (2007), 1803 (2008), 1835 (2008) and 1887 (2009) concerning the topics of Iran and non-proliferation, the Council noted that Iran had failed to comply with previous Security Council resolutions concerning its nuclear program and imposed further sanctions on the country.

International sanctions are political and economic decisions that are part of diplomatic efforts by countries, multilateral or regional organizations against states or organizations either to protect national security interests, or to protect international law, and defend against threats to international peace and security. These decisions principally include the temporary imposition on a target of economic, trade, diplomatic, cultural or other restrictions that are lifted when the motivating security concerns no longer apply, or when no new threats have arisen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action</span> International agreement on the nuclear program of Iran

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal, is an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program reached in Vienna on 14 July 2015, between Iran and the P5+1 together with the European Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on North Korea</span>

The UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on North Korea is a subsidiary body established in 2006 by the UN Security Council's resolution 1718 in response to North Korea's first nuclear test and its other nuclear proliferation efforts.

The United States announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the "Iran nuclear deal" or the "Iran deal", on May 8, 2018. The JCPOA is an agreement on Iran's nuclear program reached in July 2015 by Iran and the P5+1 also called E3/EU+3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aftermath of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action</span>

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal or Iran deal, is an agreement on the Iranian nuclear program reached in Vienna on 14 July 2015 between Iran, the P5+1, and the European Union.

Seven resolutions have been approved by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) relating to the nuclear program of Iran, although the only one currently in force is Resolution 2231, passed on 20 July 2015 endorsing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program. It sets out an inspection process and schedule while also preparing for the removal of United Nations arms sanctions against Iran. In August 2020, the U.S. released a proposal to extend the UN arms embargo on Iran in the UN.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HESA Shahed 136</span> Iranian-made drone

The HESA Shahed 136, also known by its Russian designation Geran-2, is an Iranian-designed loitering munition, also referred to as a kamikaze drone or suicide drone, in the form of an autonomous pusher-propelled drone. It is designed and manufactured by the Iranian state-owned corporation HESA in association with Shahed Aviation Industries.

Iran has supported Russia both diplomatically and militarily since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It has voted against United Nations resolutions condemning Russia and has regularly delivered loitering munitions, chiefly the Shahed 131 and Shahed 136, to the Russian military. Several countries have accused Iran of violating United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231, which was adopted with full support of the sitting members in July 2015 and seeks to inspect the Iranian nuclear program in preparation for ending United Nations sanctions against Iran. Additionally, Ukraine and the United States, among others, have stated that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has had a presence in Russian-occupied Crimea for the purpose of operating Shahed drones in attacks against Ukrainian cities. Some of these IRGC personnel have reportedly been killed by Ukrainian military strikes against Russian-occupied territory; the Iranian involvement in Russia's invasion has negatively impacted Iran–Ukraine relations while intensifying existing tensions between Iran and the United States.

References

  1. ↑ Security Council, Adopting Resolution 2231 (2015), Endorses Joint Comprehensive Agreement on Iran’s Nuclear Programme United Nations
  2. ↑ "Zarif: Iranians should feel changes according to UN Resolution 2231". irna.ir. Islamic Republic News Agency. September 23, 2015. Retrieved August 18, 2016. The Iranian nation should feel fundamental changes in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2231
  3. ↑ "Resolution 2231" (PDF). United Nations Security Council. Jul 20, 2015. p. 99. S/RES/2231 (2015). Archived from the original (PDF) on August 19, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Iran missile tests defied UN resolution, say US and European allies". Deutsche Welle. Mar 30, 2016.
  5. 1 2 "Arms seized by U.S., missiles used to attack Saudi Arabia 'of Iranian origin': U.N." Reuters. 12 June 2020.
  6. ↑ "Ukraine war: US says Iranian drones breach sanctions". BBC. 18 October 2022.
  7. ↑ "Russians began to use Shahed-131 kamikaze drones". mil.in.ua. 2022-10-14. Retrieved 2022-12-12.
  8. ↑ Raine, Niamh Kennedy,Negar Mahmoodi,Ivana Kottasová,Andrew (2022-10-16). "Iran denies supplying Russia with weapons for use in Ukraine". CNN. Retrieved 2022-10-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ↑ "Iranian foreign ministry spokesman reacts to some claims about shipment of arms including military drones by Iran to Ukraine". en.mfa.ir. Retrieved 2022-10-18.
  10. ↑ "European countries urge UN probe of Iran drones in Ukraine". France 24. AFP. 22 October 2022. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  11. ↑ Amir Saeid Iravani (19 October 2022). "Letter dated 19 October 2022 from the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General" (PDF). United Nations Security Council. S/2022/776. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  12. ↑ Amir Saeid Iravani (24 October 2022). "Letter dated 24 October 2022 from the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General and the President of the Security Council" (PDF). United Nations Security Council. S/2022/794. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
  13. ↑ "Member States Must Respect Exclusively International Character of Secretary-General, Secretariat Staff Responsibilities, Legal Affairs Chief Tells Security Council" (Press release). unsc. 26 October 2022. SC/15079. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  14. ↑ "9167th meeting Wednesday, 26 October 2022, 4.45 p.m" (PDF). United Nations Security Council. 26 October 2022. S/PV.9167. Retrieved 5 November 2022.
  15. ↑ "IN FULL: UN Security Council discusses possible Iran nuclear deal breach in Ukraine war". ABC News (Australia). 26 October 2022.
  16. ↑ "US sees embarrassing UN defeat over Iran arms embargo proposal". The Guardian. August 15, 2020.
  17. ↑ "Security Council Announces Failure to Adopt Text on Iran Sanctions by 2 Against, 2 in Favour, 11 Abstentions". UN. UN. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2020.
  18. ↑ Lederer, Edith M.; Lee, Matthew (19 August 2020). "UN crisis looms as U.S. readies demand to reimpose sanctions on Iran". The Globe and Mail Inc. The Associated Press.
  19. ↑ Lee, Matthew; Lederer, Edith M (17 September 2020). "Saturday showdown set as U.S. to declare UN sanctions on Iran are back". The Globe and Mail Inc. The Associated Press.
  20. ↑ Lederer, Edith M. (19 October 2022). "Ukraine accuses Iran of violating UN ban on transferring drones". PBS . Retrieved 4 November 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.