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.”
