After failing to receive diplomatic support for exiting the nuclear deal, or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the United States has used the most recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting to ask other countries to apply pressure on Iran regarding its missiles programs. The Security Council meets every six months to discuss Iranian compliance with the 2015 JCPOA, which UN Resolution 2231 supported.

The resolution “calls upon” Iran to not test missiles specifically “designed to carry nuclear weapons.” It does not ban them, a distinction US officials are keen to avoid in their accusations against Iran. In discussing the resolution, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, “Iran has exploited the goodwill of nations and defied multiple Security Council resolutions in its quest for a robust ballistic missile force.” He added, “The United States will never stand for this.”

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to Pompeo’s claims at the UNSC meeting. He tweeted, “In latest mockery of UNSC, Sec. Pompeo — bragged about violating 2231; outline plans for more violations — confirmed that US and allies rely on defunct Resolution 1929 provision on missiles — turned an isolated US into first permanent security council member to punish other countries for complying with resolution.” Resolution 1929 was a 2010 resolution calling on Iran to halt launches of nuclear-capable missiles rather than “missiles designed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons.” Iran argues that it does not have any missiles designed to be capable of carrying atomic weapons, particularly as it has no nuclear weapons.

The United States said it would apply sanctions against those who maintained business ties with Iran. However, European countries have decided to remain in the nuclear deal and have even sought to create a special purpose vehicle to maintain economic relations with Iran and bypass US sanctions while the country continues to abide by the nuclear deal.