Despite US Efforts, Arms Embargoes against Iran Ended
Despite US opposition, a long-standing conventional arms embargo imposed on Iran expired in line with the terms of a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, according to the Iranian foreign ministry.
The 13-year sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) ended on Sunday as part of Resolution 2231 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement signed in 2015 that gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that as of today, all restrictions on the transfer of arms, related activities and financial services to and from the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all prohibitions regarding the entry into or transit through territories of the United Nations Member States previously imposed on a number of Iranian citizens and military officials, are all automatically terminated.
“In one of the JCPOA’s innovations, the definitive and unconditional termination of arms restrictions and travel bans requires no new resolution, nor does it require any statement or any other measure by the Security Council,” the statement said.
Therefore, as of today, Iran may procure any necessary arms and equipment from any source without any legal restrictions and solely based on its defensive needs, and may also export defensive armaments based on its own policies.
“The country’s deterrence stems from native knowledge and capability, as well as our people’s power and resilience. In contemporary history Iran—despite its power disparity—has never started a war,” the statement stressed.
The statement further added that notwithstanding the failed attempts by the U.S. to withhold and eliminate Iran’s benefits from Resolution 2231, Member States are required to make their laws and regulations compatible with the resolution, which “invites Member States to give due regard to these changes”.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned that any measure against the provisions of UNSC Resolution 2231 will amount to a material breach of the resolution and the purposes of the JCPOA.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to take any necessary countermeasures to secure its national interests,” the statement added.
