Call on Security Council to Be Alert to US Plots

An Iranian diplomat has called on the United Nations Security Council members to be vigilant about the United States’ efforts to undermine the authority of the international body. 
“It is essential that permanent and non-permanent members be alert and not fall into America’s trap in the Security Council and international mechanisms,” Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said at a regular press briefing on Monday, ISNA reported. 
He made the statement, as the council prepares to hold a vote this week on a US resolution to extend Iran’s arms embargo. 
The arms trade restrictions are set to expire in October based on the terms of UNSCR 2231 that endorsed Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.  
The US has already exited the deal and restored tough sanctions on Tehran. It has now drafted a UN resolution on an indefinite extension of the ban and is putting it up for a vote this week.
“More than being against the Iranian nation, this is a measure against the Security Council, the United Nations and international mechanisms in general,” Mousavi said. 
He added that the US is using a Security Council tool against itself to either weaken the body or bring it under its own dominion. 
International experts expect the US-drafted resolution to be roundly rejected by council members. 
It needs at least nine votes in favor to force Russia and China to use their vetoes, which Moscow and Beijing have signaled they will do. Some diplomats question whether Washington can even secure those nine votes.

Failure Anticipated 

Mousavi hoped the US bid would fail as a result of the vigilance of independent world leaders and Iran’s consultations with friendly countries. 
“We expect it to fail and member states to be careful not to allow the US to abuse the Security Council once again,” he said.
The US has threatened to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran under a process agreed in the 2015 deal, if it is unsuccessful in extending the embargo. 
“One way or another, we will do the right thing. We will ensure that the arms embargo is extended,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said. 
Washington argues it can trigger the so-called snapback mechanism, because UNSCR 2231 still names it as a participant.
Diplomats say Washington would face a tough, messy battle if it tries to return the sanctions.
China and Russia have expressed their opposition, saying the US is no longer entitled to intervene in JCPOA affairs as it has already abandoned the deal. 
The US would have to submit a complaint to the council, which would then have to vote within 30 days on a resolution to continue Iran’s sanctions relief. If such a resolution is not put forward before the deadline, sanctions would be reimposed automatically.

Some diplomats have suggested the US will submit its complaint by the end of August to ensure the 30 days ends in September, before Russia takes the monthly rotating council presidency in October.