Call for Facilitation of Iran Trade as per UNSCR 2231

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of global support for the 2015 nuclear deal, calling on member states to engage in trade with Iran in compliance with the UN Security Council resolution that endorsed the agreement. 
In his 10th report on the implementation of UNSCR 2231, he hailed the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive plan of Action, as a “testament to the efficacy of multilateralism, diplomacy and dialogue, and success in nuclear non-proliferation,” IRNA reported.  
JCPOA was signed between Iran and the six world powers, which placed curbs on Iran’s nuclear program in return for the lifting of global sanctions. 
"I have consistently believed that the plan is the best way to ensure a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, as well as to contribute to regional and international peace and security,” Guterres said in the report that is set to be read out during a UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday.
The agreement has been unraveling since 2018, when the United States unilaterally quit and reinstated the lifted sanctions on Tehran.
Guterres regretted US steps since its withdrawal, saying the reimposition of all national sanctions, which had been lifted or waived pursuant to JCPOA “is contrary to the goals set out in the plan and in Resolution 2231”. 
"Other steps taken by the United States to restrict activities allowed within the framework of the plan may also impede the ability of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the other member states to implement certain provisions of the plan and of the resolution," the UN chief said.
He, however, commended the continued commitment of other participants to preserve the accord, underlining the importance of “the plan working for all, including by providing tangible economic benefits for the Iranian people”. 
The US sanctions and its threats against other countries for trade with Iran have adversely affected the country’s economy, practically leaving it deprived of all the benefits promised by JCPOA. 
The bans have even restricted Iran’s access to medicine and medical equipment amid the coronavirus outbreak, despite claims that humanitarian goods are exempt from the measures. 
Guterres underlined the need for initiatives in support of trade and economic relations with Iran, especially during the current economic and health challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also encouraged UN member states to work effectively with JCPOA participants toward creating the conditions necessary for their economic operators to engage in trade with Iran in accordance with Resolution 2231.
The UN chief also called on Iran to carefully address other concerns raised by other participants and by other member states in relation to Resolution 2231.
Iran has taken measures beyond its JCPOA limits in response to the US pressure and other parties’ failure to honor their end of the bargain. But it has declared that all measures are reversible once the sanctions are removed or its economic benefits are guaranteed by other means. 
Western countries have recently called for an update to the deal to add new terms while Iran has ruled out such a possibility.
"I have encouraged all states to support the plan and believe that issues not directly related to the plan should be addressed without prejudice to preserving the agreement and its accomplishments,” Guterres said.