UNITED NATIONS, 24 December 2006 — The Security Council yesterday slapped the first ever UN sanctions on Iran, targeting its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in response to its refusal to halt sensitive nuclear fuel work.
In a resolution adopted unanimously, the 15-member council directed all states “to prevent the supply, sale or transfer...of all items, materials, equipment, goods and technology which could contribute to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.”
It also mandated that “all states shall freeze the funds, other financial assets and economic resources” owned by people or entities linked to “Iran’s proliferation sensitive nuclear activities or the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems.”
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who worked hard to soften the resolution, expressed the hope that Iran would “correctly and very seriously take measures to correct the situation.”
He made it clear that the sanctions would be lifted if Iran complies with demands of the council and the International Atomic Energy Agency. US acting Ambassador Alejandro Wolff said the council expected Iran’s full, unconditional and immediate compliance” with the resolution, warning that “we will not hesitate to return to this body for further action” if Iran does not comply.
The text, drawn up by Britain, France and Germany, requires Iran to “without further delay suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development” as well as “all heavy water-related projects.”
The resolution warns that if Tehran refuses to comply with UN demands, the council “shall adopt further appropriate measures under Article 41 of Chapter Seven” of the UN Charter, a reference to nonmilitary sanctions.
In Tehran, senior Iranian lawmakers warned yesterday ahead of the vote that Parliament could hit back at any sanctions by blocking UN inspections of its nuclear facilities. A bill to suspend inspections of Iran’s atomic sites by the UN nuclear watchdog has already been prepared by Parliament and passed by its security and foreign affairs committee. Western countries pushed hard for the sanctions fearing that Iran could use its uranium enrichment activities to develop nuclear weapons.
