U.S. Special Envoy To Brief UN Security Council On Iran Policy
U.S. Special Envoy To Brief UN Security Council On Iran Policy
The U.S. special representative for Iran is traveling to the United Nations to update permanent members of the Security Council on U.S. policy toward Iran, as Washington looks to step up pressure on Tehran.
The U.S. State Department said in a statement that Brian Hook would be in New York on April 30 and May 1 for the meetings.
“He will underscore the importance of holding Iran accountable for its defiance of UN Security Council resolutions on the development and testing of ballistic missiles,” the statement said.
It said he will also reiterate the need to fully implement all relevant UN Security Council resolutions related to Iran, “including the enforcement of the Council’s legally binding travel restrictions and arms embargoes.”
Washington has taken a hard line against Iran since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017.
Trump last year pulled the United States out of a landmark 2015 nuclear agreement that Tehran signed with six world powers, receiving relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear program.
In withdrawing, Trump said the accord was “fatally flawed” because it did not address Iran’s ballistic-missile program or Tehran’s alleged state sponsorship of terrorism.
Tehran has said its nuclear program is for civilian purposes and denies that it funds militant groups in the region.
Washington on April 22 ended six months of waivers that allowed Iran’s eight largest customers to continue importing some Iranian oil despite the renewed U.S. sanctions.
The administration has said its aim is to reduce Iranian oil exports to zero.
Iran has said it will continue to export oil despite the increasing pressure by Washington.
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