UANI Releases New Resource On U.N. Iranian Missile Restrictions And Their October 2023 Expiration

(New York, N.Y.) — In the face of Iran’s escalating role as Russia’s military partner in Ukraine, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) is releasing a new resource detailing the restrictions placed on Iran’s missile program in accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2231, which was implemented as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and their scheduled expiration in less than one year. Western officials report that Iran is preparing to ship approximately 1,000 new short-range ballistic missiles and drones to Russia – more than double its last delivery – and in violation of a ban against Iran’s proliferation of ballistic missiles and related technologies abroad, including drone transfers.  

UANI’s new resource, JCPOA Sunset Alert: Missile Restrictions, provides a comprehensive look at how Iran has failed to adhere to the terms of Resolution 2231 and recommendations for policymakers ahead of the October 18, 2023 sunsetting of restrictions. 

After the provision expires, Iran will be legally freed to undertake activities related to nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, including testing, and the U.N. Security Council will no longer be obligated to approve Iran’s import and export of items that could contribute to the development of a nuclear weapon delivery system. Therefore, UANI recommends that the U.S. State Department engage in a diplomatic offensive to secure an extension of the missile restrictions.  

Russia will likely obstruct these and future efforts to pass U.N. Security Council resolutions limiting Iran’s missile program, as it did in coordination with China when the U.N. arms embargo on Iran expired in October 2020. The U.S. and its European allies should aim for the reimposition of all pre-JCPOA U.N. sanctions and restrictions on Iran through the “snapback” mechanism, which can be invoked in response to Iran’s violations of the JCPOA over the veto of Russia or China. This is especially critical amid speculation that Russia may transfer fighter jets and other hardware to Iran in exchange for the drones Tehran has supplied for use in Ukraine.  

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