Iran’s backing for armed militias in the region is a violation of international law, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the UN said on Monday.
Abdallah Al-Mouallimi voiced his concern at a meeting on disarmament and international security at the General Assembly.
Saudi Arabia, the US and many other countries say the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers allowed Tehran the financial and political freedom to pursue its policy of supporting destabilizing proxy forces in the Middle East. The deal had removed sanctions against Iran in return for curbs placed on its nuclear program.
Saudi Arabia is “very concerned by Iran’s failure to comply with its nuclear commitments,” Al-Mouallimi said.
Saudi Arabia “reiterates the importance of reaching an international agreement regarding the Iranian nuclear program in order to control and monitor its acquisition … And to prevent Iran from engaging in any destabilizing actions in the area, or sponsoring terrorism.”
Donald Trump withdrew the US from the nuclear deal in 2018 and directed a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran’s economy. Iran has violated several terms of the agreement in response by ramping up production of enriched uranium.
During his speech, Al-Mouallimi called for setting top a nuclear-weapon-free zone in theMiddle East.
He said Israel is the only state in the region that remains a non-signatory to to the Non‑Proliferation Treaty and that its nuclear facilities are not subject to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) safeguards regime.
Source » arabnews