UN arms embargo imposed on Iran ends

An arms embargo imposed by the UN Security Council (UNSC) since 2007 has reached its end.

Iran’s foreign ministry announced this on 18th October, 2020 on its official website.

“All restrictions on the transfer of arms, related activities and financial services to and from Iran, and all prohibitions regarding the entry into or transit through territories of the UN member states previously imposed on a number of Iranian citizens and military officials, are automatically terminated,” the ministry said

It added that “As of today, the Islamic Republic of Iran may procure any necessary arms and equipment from any source without any legal restrictions and solely based on its defensive needs, and may also export defensive armaments based on its own policies.”

While referring to the landmark nuclear deal Tehran signed with with world powers, the ministry said, “Today is a momentous day for the international community, which in defiance of the US regime’s efforts, has protected UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).”

The US sanctioned Iran for withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.

However, since the beginning of 2020, tensions have escalated alarmingly with the Trump administration announcing a “maximum pressure” campaign to choke Iran’s financial channels.

Last month, after a demand for an extension of the arms embargo was rejected by the Security Council, the US announced the reinstatement of all UN sanctions against Iran.