UN endorses Iran N-deal, paves way to lift sanctions

With the adoption of the resolution here, the 15-nation body endorsed the landmark nuclear deal entered into between Iran and P5+1 nations of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus Germany last week.

The agreement launches a progressive and conditional lifting of sanctions, in exchange for guarantees that the Islamic republic will not develop a nuclear bomb.

Welcoming the adaptation of the resolution, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said it will ensure the enforcement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear programme.

“It establishes procedures that will facilitate the JCPOA’s implementation, enabling all States to carry out their obligations contained in the agreement.

“The resolution provides for the eventual removal of all nuclear-related sanctions against Iran. It guarantees that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will continue to verify Iran’s compliance with its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA,” the UN chief said as he assured full assistance of the world body in giving effect to the resolution.

The resolution, however, has the provision of snapping back the sanctions if Iran does not abide by its commitments.

“While this deal does not address many of our profound concerns, if implemented it would make the world safer and more secure,” the US’ Ambassador to the U N Samantha Power said at the UNSC meeting.

“If Iran seizes that opportunity, if it abides by the commitments that it agreed to in this deal...then it will find the international community and the United States willing to provide a path out of isolation and toward greater engagement,” she added.

“We hope Iran’s government will chose that path,” Power said, adding the deal would cut off all pathways for Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, “while putting in place a rigorous inspection and transparency regime to verify Iran’s compliance.”