Why Iran Missile Launch 'Cannot Serve as Objective Basis for Sanctions'

© REUTERS / Mahmood HosseiniA ballistic missile is launched and tested in an undisclosed location, Iran, March 9, 2016.
A ballistic missile is launched and tested in an undisclosed location, Iran, March 9, 2016. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The introduction of new US unilateral sanctions against Iran is counterproductive as it could hamper the implementation of Iran comprehensive nuclear deal and could lead to escalation of tensions in ties with Tehran in general, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday.

A ballistic missile is launched and tested in an undisclosed location, Iran, in this handout photo released by Farsnews on March 9, 2016 - Sputnik International
Iran Vows to Continue Missile Tests, Says Trump's Warnings 'Bluff'
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, the US Treasury Department imposed a new round of sanctions against Iran, adding 12 entities and 13 individuals to the OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals list, after Tehran carried out a missile launch.

The move comes after US President Donald Trump said that Iran is "playing with fire," adding that he will not be "as kind" as former US leader Barack Obama had been.

"We believe that the introduction of unilateral sanctions against Iran in the current circumstances would be extremely counterproductive and could hamper the implementation of agreements on Tehran's nuclear program," the source told Sputnik, adding that it could also "escalate the situation in general."

"The recent missile test launches by Iran cannot serve as an objective basis for any sanctions, because Iran does not violate anything, as there are no restrictions imposed on Tehran in terms of missile launches," the source stressed.

On Wednesday, Michael Flynn, the US national security adviser, announced that the White House had issued an unprecedented notice as a result of missile tests.

A day later, Trump confirmed Flynn’s remarks, saying that Tehran was "formally PUT ON NOTICE for firing a ballistic missile."

Sumar Cruise Missile  - Sputnik International
Iran Successfully Tests Cruise Missile Able to Carry Nuclear Warheads – Reports
The Iranian supreme leader’s top aide commented on the statements, saying that Tehran will continue missile tests in accordance with its defense program and US' warnings are a "bluff."

After much criticism and speculation over alleged missile tests in Iran earlier in the week, the nation’s Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehqan confirmed on Wednesday that the nation had conducted test missile launches in line with their defense programs.

Dehqan also underlined the fact that these tests violated neither the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nor UN Resolution 2231.

On July 14, 2015, Iran, the European Union, and the P5+1 group of countries signed the JCPOA to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. Under this agreement, Iran pledged to refrain from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of sanctions imposed against Iran. A UN resolution was passed shortly afterwards, reaffirming the nuclear agreement.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала