Highlights of UN resolution endorsing Iran nuclear deal

The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution endorsing a deal that placed long-term curbs on Iran’s nuclear program and starts a process to remove UN sanctions against the country.

The resolution presented by the US paves the way for the drastic sanctions imposed by the UN to be lifted once the International Atomic Energy (IAEA) certifies that Iran complied with the terms of the agreement reached last week in Vienna.

“New Zealand hopes this agreement can form the basis for building trust and opening a new chapter of cooperation in the Middle East”.

But Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said the Security Council “has confirmed the inalienable right of Iran to develop its peaceful nuclear program, including to enrich uranium” under supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“Welcoming the adaptation of the resolution, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said it will ensure the enforcement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear programme“.

It said Iran would in any case never seek a nuclear bomb, “in line with the historic fatwa (religious decree) of supreme guide Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who has banned the use of weapons of mass destruction”.

As a result of the deal Iran would mothball the majority of its centrifuges used to enrich uranium for at least a decade and sharply reduce its low-enriched uranium stockpile. But Israel’s UN Ambassador Ron Prosor told reporters immediately after the vote that the Security Council had “awarded a great prize to the most dangerous country in the world“, calling it “a very sad day” not only for Israel but the entire world.

He noted that just last Friday, Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, participated in a parade where American and Israeli flags were burned.

All 15 members of the Security Council voted for the draft resolution, setting the stage for the lifting of sanctions against Iran. The major impact will likely be felt in the oil market when it begins to freely export.

Though Congressional leaders say they believe they can do that, and the Israel Lobby is putting considerable month toward that, it is seen as extremely unlikely.

On Monday, the UN Security Council unanimously endorsed the newly-reached agreement, kicking off a process to lift UN sanctions on Iran.