FM: Iran’s Ballistic Missiles Not Subject to UNSC Resolution 2231

The UN Security Council (UNSC) unanimously endorsed a draft resolution turning into international law the Joint  Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program on Monday.

Minutes later, the Iranian foreign ministry issued a rather lengthy statement, where it stressed Tehran’s resolve to contribute an active role in war on terrorism and promotion of peace and stability in the region.

The statement ensured that “Iran will continue its pioneering role in campaign against terrorism and violent extremism”, including its cooperation with the neighboring states.

“In addition, the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue making the necessary arrangements and plans to reinvigorate its defensive capabilities to protect its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity against any kind of aggression as well as its confrontation with the threat of terrorism in the region,” it added.

“Within this framework, Iran’s military capabilities, including its ballistic missiles, are exclusively for legitimate defense; these equipment have not been designed for the capability to carry nuclear payloads and thus, fall outside the scope and the jurisdiction of the UNSC resolution and its annexes,” the Iranian foreign ministry statement stressed.

All 15 members of the UNSC voted for the draft UN resolution in New York on Monday, setting the stage for the lifting of Security Council sanctions against Iran.

The text of the draft UN resolution calls for the “full implementation” of the Vienna agreement “on the timetable established,” and urges UN member countries to facilitate the process.