ADVERTISEMENT

US ambassador pushes UN to follow stance on Iran

The council met for its monthly debate on the Middle East just days after US President Donald Trump refused to certify the Iranian nuclear deal, leaving its fate to the US Congress.

"The United States has embarked on a course that attempts to address all aspects of Iran's destructive conduct -- not just one aspect," Haley told the council.

"It's critical that the international community do the same."

Trump's decision has been sharply criticized by Washington's partners in the deal -- France, Britain, China, Russia -- which sit on the Security Council as permanent members along with the United States. Germany is also a signatory.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 2015 nuclear deal was unanimously endorsed in a Security Council resolution, placing the onus on the top UN body to uphold its implementation.

Haley accused Iran of "playing" the council by complying with technical provisions of the nuclear deal while threatening peace and security in the Middle East with its "outlaw behaviour."

She pointed to arms sales and military support for warring sides in Yemen, Syria and Lebanon as examples of Iranian violations of UN resolutions and singled out Iran's missile launches as "the regime's most threatening act."

"Iran must be judged in totality of its aggressive, destabilizing and unlawful behavior. To do otherwise would be foolish," she said.

The new more aggressive US policy toward Iran provides an "opportunity" for the council to show that it will defend council resolutions, she argued.

ADVERTISEMENT

"This council now has the opportunity to change its policy toward the Iranian regime," she asserted.

Haley's appeal, however, appeared to draw little immediate support.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia tersely reminded Haley that the Middle East debate is aimed at tackling the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and that she "didn't even mention the word Palestine."

Turning to Iran, Nebenzia warned that "attempts to dismantle the architecture of the agreement on the Iranian nuclear program will lead to a negative reaction in the Middle East and beyond."

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Adelabu says FG plans to increase power generation from 4k to 6k megawatts

Adelabu says FG plans to increase power generation from 4k to 6k megawatts

Adeyanju denies appealing Bobrisky’s conviction

Adeyanju denies appealing Bobrisky’s conviction

FG shuts Abuja Chinese Supermarket that discriminates against Nigerians

FG shuts Abuja Chinese Supermarket that discriminates against Nigerians

Nigerian Army dismisses 2 soldiers who stole cable at Dangote Refinery

Nigerian Army dismisses 2 soldiers who stole cable at Dangote Refinery

1,802 suspects arrested in 2 weeks during Lagos raids

1,802 suspects arrested in 2 weeks during Lagos raids

Ribadu says terrorism-related deaths have dropped from 2600 monthly to 200

Ribadu says terrorism-related deaths have dropped from 2600 monthly to 200

Nigerian students under 18 shouldn't be in university — minister warns parents

Nigerian students under 18 shouldn't be in university — minister warns parents

End of controversy as Gov Adeleke names one of his wives as official First Lady

End of controversy as Gov Adeleke names one of his wives as official First Lady

Nigeria to boost collaboration, disrupt terrorism-fueling trafficking - Tinubu

Nigeria to boost collaboration, disrupt terrorism-fueling trafficking - Tinubu

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT