Zarif says UN will vote down US proposal on Iran arms embargo

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the contentious US proposal to extend an arms embargo against Tehran will not be passed by the UN Security Council. The embargo is expected to expire in October under UN Resolution 2231 and the Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Surrounded by mask-clad reporters in Tehran, Zarif once again argued that the US proposal runs counter to international law and called the attempt to get it ratified at the council a “mischievous plot” that disrespects the other council members.

The United States has been facing an uphill battle at the council, facing resistance most notably from Russia and China, two permanent members that maintain closer ties with Tehran than the other JCPOA signatories. Tehran has clearly been hoping that the two allies will use their veto power at a vote expected to be held on Friday.

Earlier on Tuesday, US diplomats revised the proposal. The embargo “shall continue to apply until the Security Council decides otherwise,” according to the revised draft. Shortened to four paragraphs from an original 35, the new version has removed some provisions, including inspections on “reasonable grounds” of all Iranian cargo entering the territories of UN members states. It does, however, retain the basic argument that the extension is meant to “prevent Iran from freely buying and selling conventional weapons.”