The United Nations has imposed new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, escalating tensions in the region. Meanwhile, Russia has accused Western nations of closing diplomatic channels, warning of rising global instability. The twin developments underscore deepening divisions over international security and nuclear oversight.

G7 urges Iran to cooperate after snapback | UN reinstates arms embargo

Relations between Saudi Arabia and the US&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;to improve as the latter is mulling lifting the ban on selling offensive weapons to the kingdom state in coming weeks, Financial Times has reported&nbsp;citing&nbsp;US officials. US President Joe Biden had introduced these restrictions three years ago&nbsp;shortly&nbsp;after entering the White House, in line with his long-held vow to make Saudi Arabia a&nbsp;'pariah'&nbsp;state. Biden had promised to punish Saudi Arabia and its de-facto ruler&nbsp;Crown&nbsp;Prince Mohammed bin Salman&nbsp;for&nbsp;the alleged use of US-made weapons in attacks against Yemen civilians.

Saudi Arabia had entered the Yemen conflict nine years ago in a bid to oust the Iran-backed Houthi group but largely remained unsuccessful. In 2022, the UN brokered a peace deal there&nbsp;and&nbsp;Riyadh has largely refrained from involving itself in the conflict since then.

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According to the Financial Times, the US has already conveyed its intention to lift the ban on Saudi Arabia, one of the&nbsp;country's&nbsp;largest&nbsp;arms export destinations and a traditional ally in West Asia.

<h2>More bilateral deals&nbsp;coming</h2>

According to US officials, scores of bilateral deals&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;to&nbsp;be finalised&nbsp;in the coming weeks, including a defence pact and US cooperation on the&nbsp;kingdom’s&nbsp;nascent civilian nuclear programme.

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The US-Saudi deals might also pave the way&nbsp;for the renewal of&nbsp;Saudi-Israel normalisation talks. However, a US official&nbsp;made clear&nbsp;to the Financial Times that the two aspects were not interlinked.

<h2>Yemen peace talks stalled</h2>

Yemen talks stalked after Iran-backed Hamas launched terror attacks in Israel on October 7. The Houthis have also supported&nbsp;Hamas'&nbsp;campaign against Israel over the past months by disrupting flows through one of the&nbsp;world’s&nbsp;key&nbsp;maritime trade routes in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

However, Saudi Arabia has continued engaging with a UN-mediated Yemeni peace process. Riyadh even refrained from joining a US-led maritime task force against&nbsp;Houthis,&nbsp;in a bid to send a clear message to the Iranian proxy that it&nbsp;didn’t&nbsp;want to irk them.

(With inputs from agencies)

Relations between Saudi Arabia and the US are expected to improve as the latter is mulling lifting the ban on selling offensive weapons to the kingdom state in coming weeks, Financial Times has reported citing US officials.

Relations between Saudi Arabia and the US are expected to improve as the latter is mulling lifting the ban on selling offensive weapons to the kingdom state in coming weeks, Financial Times has reported citing US officials. US President Joe Biden had introduced these restrictions three years ago shortly after entering the White House, in line with his long-held vow to make Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' state. Biden had promised to punish Saudi Arabia and its de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the alleged use of US-made weapons in attacks against Yemen civilians. Saudi Arabia had entered the Yemen conflict nine years ago in a bid to oust the Iran-backed Houthi group but largely remained unsuccessful. In 2022, the UN brokered a peace deal there and Riyadh has largely refrained from involving itself in the conflict since then. Also read: Goldman Sachs receives license to establish regional headquarters in Riyadh According to the Financial Times, the US has already conveyed its intention to lift the ban on Saudi Arabia, one of the country's largest arms export destinations and a traditional ally in West Asia. More bilateral deals coming According to US officials, scores of bilateral deals are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks, including a defence pact and US cooperation on the kingdom’s nascent civilian nuclear programme. Also read: Saudi Arabia`s national airline orders over 100 new Airbus jets The US-Saudi deals might also pave the way for the renewal of Saudi-Israel normalisation talks. However, a US official made clear to the Financial Times that the two aspects were not interlinked. Yemen peace talks stalled Yemen talks stalked after Iran-backed Hamas launched terror attacks in Israel on October 7. The Houthis have also supported Hamas' campaign against Israel over the past months by disrupting flows through one of the world’s key maritime trade routes in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. However, Saudi Arabia has continued engaging with a UN-mediated Yemeni peace process. Riyadh even refrained from joining a US-led maritime task force against Houthis, in a bid to send a clear message to the Iranian proxy that it didn’t want to irk them. (With inputs from agencies)

In a major U-turn, Biden administration to lift arms embargo on Saudi Arabia: Report

The UN General Assembly is expected to approve a resolution calling on Myanmar's junta to restore the country's democratic transition and for all countries&nbsp;"to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar,"&nbsp;diplomats said.

The draft resolution also condemns deadly violence by security forces and calls on the junta to unconditionally release the ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint "and all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-calls-on-southeast-asian-nations-to-take-action-on-myanmar-397969">Blinken calls on Southeast Asian nations to take action on Myanmar</a>

The 193-member assembly is scheduled to consider the resolution, which has more than 50 co-sponsors, on Friday afternoon and its sponsors are hoping it will be approved by consensus to send a strong message to the military of global opposition to its Feb 1 takeover and support for a return to Myanmar's democratic transition, though any nation can call for a vote.

The draft resulted from negotiations by a so-called Core Group including the European Union, many Western nations and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations known as ASEAN, which includes Myanmar. A UN diplomat said there is an agreement with ASEAN to seek consensus, but what will happen with ASEAN members if there is a vote remains unclear.

The resolution's approval would mark one of the few times that the UN's most representative body expressed itself against a military coup and called for an arms embargo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-rebel-group-suspends-key-leader-in-massacre-investigation-397219">Myanmar rebel group suspends key leader in massacre investigation</a>

Canada's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Bob Rae, a member of the Core Group, said Thursday that everyone has been working hard "to reach a broad consensus" on the text, and discussions were still underway on whether it would be approved by consensus or be put to a vote.

Myanmar for five decades had languished under strict military rule that led to international isolation and sanctions.

As the generals loosened their grip, culminating in Suu Kyi's rise to leadership in the 2015 elections, the international community responded by lifting most sanctions and pouring investment into the country. Her party was reelected by a landslide in November elections, but the military contends the vote was fraudulent and took over before the new Parliament was seated.

Widespread opposition to the junta's rule began with massive nonviolent protests. After soldiers and police used deadly force to crush the peaceful demonstrations, a low-level armed insurrection has emerged in both the cities and countryside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tank-ing-democracy-myanmar-army-bans-internet-to-curb-protests-against-military-coup-363746">Tank-ing democracy: Myanmar army bans internet to curb protests against military coup</a>

Last week, the UN&nbsp;Human rights office cited credible reports that at least 860 people have been killed by security forces since Feb. 1, mostly during protests, and that more than 4,800 people - including activists, journalists and opponents of the junta - are in arbitrary detention.

Speaking of the draft resolution, Canada's Rae said: "I think it's a strong statement by the General Assembly about our strong opposition to what's been happening in Myanmar, and our strong desire for a shift back to a process of attaining democracy in the country, civil and economic rights for everybody including the Rohingya."

The draft calls on the Myanmar armed forces to respect the will of the people as freely expressed by the results of the general election of Nov 8, 2020. It also said the Parliament should be allowed to convene and the armed forces and other national bodies should be brought into an "inclusive civilian government that is representative of the will of the people."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-response-runs-underground-in-junta-ruled-myanmar-398915">COVID-19 response runs underground in junta-ruled Myanmar</a>

Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they do reflect global opinion and supporters of the draft believe it will have an impact.

Rae, a former Canadian special envoy to Myanmar, doesn't believe the nation can return to its past isolation since people in Myanmar "have developed a taste for openness, for democracy, for participation, and for social and political rights,"&nbsp;he said. "And I don't think the people are going to lose that taste. And I think that the answer is to do everything we can to sustain democracy."

The UN General Assembly is expected to approve a resolution calling on Myanmar's junta to restore the country's democratic transition and for all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar," diplomats said.

The UN General Assembly is expected to approve a resolution calling on Myanmar's junta to restore the country's democratic transition and for all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar," diplomats said. The draft resolution also condemns deadly violence by security forces and calls on the junta to unconditionally release the ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint "and all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested." Also read | Blinken calls on Southeast Asian nations to take action on Myanmar The 193-member assembly is scheduled to consider the resolution, which has more than 50 co-sponsors, on Friday afternoon and its sponsors are hoping it will be approved by consensus to send a strong message to the military of global opposition to its Feb 1 takeover and support for a return to Myanmar's democratic transition, though any nation can call for a vote. The draft resulted from negotiations by a so-called Core Group including the European Union, many Western nations and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations known as ASEAN, which includes Myanmar. A UN diplomat said there is an agreement with ASEAN to seek consensus, but what will happen with ASEAN members if there is a vote remains unclear. The resolution's approval would mark one of the few times that the UN's most representative body expressed itself against a military coup and called for an arms embargo. Also read | Myanmar rebel group suspends key leader in massacre investigation Canada's UN Ambassador Bob Rae, a member of the Core Group, said Thursday that everyone has been working hard "to reach a broad consensus" on the text, and discussions were still underway on whether it would be approved by consensus or be put to a vote. Myanmar for five decades had languished under strict military rule that led to international isolation and sanctions. As the generals loosened their grip, culminating in Suu Kyi's rise to leadership in the 2015 elections, the international community responded by lifting most sanctions and pouring investment into the country. Her party was reelected by a landslide in November elections, but the military contends the vote was fraudulent and took over before the new Parliament was seated. Widespread opposition to the junta's rule began with massive nonviolent protests. After soldiers and police used deadly force to crush the peaceful demonstrations, a low-level armed insurrection has emerged in both the cities and countryside. Also read | Tank-ing democracy: Myanmar army bans internet to curb protests against military coup Last week, the UN Human rights office cited credible reports that at least 860 people have been killed by security forces since Feb. 1, mostly during protests, and that more than 4,800 people - including activists, journalists and opponents of the junta - are in arbitrary detention. Speaking of the draft resolution, Canada's Rae said: "I think it's a strong statement by the General Assembly about our strong opposition to what's been happening in Myanmar, and our strong desire for a shift back to a process of attaining democracy in the country, civil and economic rights for everybody including the Rohingya." The draft calls on the Myanmar armed forces to respect the will of the people as freely expressed by the results of the general election of Nov 8, 2020. It also said the Parliament should be allowed to convene and the armed forces and other national bodies should be brought into an "inclusive civilian government that is representative of the will of the people." Also read | COVID-19 response runs underground in junta-ruled Myanmar Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they do reflect global opinion and supporters of the draft believe it will have an impact. Rae, a former Canadian special envoy to Myanmar, doesn't believe the nation can return to its past isolation since people in Myanmar "have developed a taste for openness, for democracy, for participation, and for social and political rights," he said. "And I don't think the people are going to lose that taste. And I think that the answer is to do everything we can to sustain democracy."

UN proposal seeks arms embargo and democracy in Myanmar

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian nation and condemning the military's February seizure of power.

Myanmar described the resolution, which passed Friday and is not legally binding, as being "based on one-sided sweeping allegations and false assumptions."&nbsp;The statement issued in the capital Naypyitaw said the Foreign Ministry had sent letters of objection to the UN secretary-general and the General Assembly's president.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-calls-for-halt-of-weapons-to-myanmar-392513">United Nations calls for halt of weapons to Myanmar</a>

The resolution reflected a broad international consensus condemning the takeover that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. It called on the military junta to restore the country's democratic transition, condemned its "excessive and lethal violence"&nbsp;since the takeover and called on all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar."

The resolution also called on Myanmar's armed forces to immediately and unconditionally release Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other officials and politicians detained after the coup, as well as "all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested."

The measure was approved with 119 countries voting 'yes,'&nbsp;Belarus,&nbsp;a major arms supplier to Myanmar,&nbsp;voting 'no'&nbsp;and 36 countries abstaining, including Myanmar's neighbours China and India, along with Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calls-un-arms-ban-resolution-on-myanmar-as-haste-course-of-action-392551">India calls UN arms ban resolution on Myanmar as 'haste course of action'</a>

Myanmar's UN&nbsp;Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who in February denounced the military takeover, voted 'yes'&nbsp;and urged the international community 'to take the strongest possible action to immediately end the military coup.'

The Foreign Ministry statement said it considers Kyaw Moe Tun as having been dismissed from his position and noted that he has been charged with treason in Myanmar.

"Accordingly, his statement, participation and action in the meeting are illegitimate and unacceptable and Myanmar strongly rejects his participation and statements,"&nbsp;it said.

"?While Myanmar embraces constructive advice by the international community in addressing the challenges that Myanmar is facing, any attempt infringing on the state sovereignty and interference in the internal affairs of Myanmar will not be accepted,"&nbsp;said the statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suu-kyis-trial-set-to-start-in-myanmar-junta-rejects-un-rights-chiefs-statement-391331">Suu Kyi's trial set to start in Myanmar, junta rejects UN rights chief's statement</a>

The more powerful UN&nbsp;Security Council, whose resolutions are legally binding, has adopted several statements on Myanmar, including condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters, calling on the military to restore the democratic transition and exercise utmost restraint&nbsp;and "on all sides to refrain from violence."

But it has never been able to condemn the coup or authorize an arms embargo or other sanctions because of an almost certain veto by China, and possibly Russia.

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian nation and condemning the military's February seizure of power.

Myanmar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday rejected a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an arms embargo against the Southeast Asian nation and condemning the military's February seizure of power. Myanmar described the resolution, which passed Friday and is not legally binding, as being "based on one-sided sweeping allegations and false assumptions." The statement issued in the capital Naypyitaw said the Foreign Ministry had sent letters of objection to the UN secretary-general and the General Assembly's president. Also read | United Nations calls for halt of weapons to Myanmar The resolution reflected a broad international consensus condemning the takeover that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. It called on the military junta to restore the country's democratic transition, condemned its "excessive and lethal violence" since the takeover and called on all countries "to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar." The resolution also called on Myanmar's armed forces to immediately and unconditionally release Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other officials and politicians detained after the coup, as well as "all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested." The measure was approved with 119 countries voting 'yes,' Belarus, a major arms supplier to Myanmar, voting 'no' and 36 countries abstaining, including Myanmar's neighbours China and India, along with Russia. Also read | India calls UN arms ban resolution on Myanmar as 'haste course of action' Myanmar's UN Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun, who in February denounced the military takeover, voted 'yes' and urged the international community 'to take the strongest possible action to immediately end the military coup.' The Foreign Ministry statement said it considers Kyaw Moe Tun as having been dismissed from his position and noted that he has been charged with treason in Myanmar. "Accordingly, his statement, participation and action in the meeting are illegitimate and unacceptable and Myanmar strongly rejects his participation and statements," it said. "?While Myanmar embraces constructive advice by the international community in addressing the challenges that Myanmar is facing, any attempt infringing on the state sovereignty and interference in the internal affairs of Myanmar will not be accepted," said the statement. Also read | Suu Kyi's trial set to start in Myanmar, junta rejects UN rights chief's statement The more powerful UN Security Council, whose resolutions are legally binding, has adopted several statements on Myanmar, including condemning the use of violence against peaceful protesters, calling on the military to restore the democratic transition and exercise utmost restraint and "on all sides to refrain from violence." But it has never been able to condemn the coup or authorize an arms embargo or other sanctions because of an almost certain veto by China, and possibly Russia.

Myanmar rejects UN resolution urging arms embargo

Iran on Saturday said the United States suffered a humiliating defeat with the UN Security Council's refusal to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, while US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the action a "serious mistake."

In a UN Security Council vote on Friday on the US effort to extend the world body's arms embargo on Iran, Russia and China voted against, while 11 members abstained including France, Germany and Britain. The United States and the Dominican Republic were the only votes in favour.

The UN arms embargo on Iran is due to expire under a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, which provided for many international sanctions against Iran being lifted in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018.

"I don't remember the United States preparing a resolution for months to strike a blow at the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it garners only one vote," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech. "But the great success was that the United States was defeated in this conspiracy with humiliation."

The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but that it would face a tough, messy battle.

The Security Council vote followed a proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit of world leaders to avoid "confrontation" over the American threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Tehran.

(with inputs from agencies)

Iran on Saturday said the United States suffered a humiliating defeat with the UN Security Council's refusal to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, while US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the action a "serious mistake.

Iran on Saturday said the United States suffered a humiliating defeat with the UN Security Council's refusal to extend an arms embargo on Tehran, while US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the action a "serious mistake." In a UN Security Council vote on Friday on the US effort to extend the world body's arms embargo on Iran, Russia and China voted against, while 11 members abstained including France, Germany and Britain. The United States and the Dominican Republic were the only votes in favour. The UN arms embargo on Iran is due to expire under a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, which provided for many international sanctions against Iran being lifted in exchange for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme. Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018. "I don't remember the United States preparing a resolution for months to strike a blow at the Islamic Republic of Iran, and it garners only one vote," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech. "But the great success was that the United States was defeated in this conspiracy with humiliation." The United States could now follow through on a threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Iran using a provision in the nuclear deal, known as snapback. Diplomats have said the United States could do this as early as next week, but that it would face a tough, messy battle. The Security Council vote followed a proposal made by Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit of world leaders to avoid "confrontation" over the American threat to trigger a return of all UN sanctions on Tehran. (with inputs from agencies)

US 'humiliated' by rejection of UN arms embargo extension, says Iran

The UN Security Council is set for a showdown next week as it may roundly reject a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. The embargo is due to expire under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday that the United States would put forward its long-awaited resolution despite ardent opposition from Russia and China. But UN diplomats say opposition to the resolution's current form is so widespread that Washington is unlikely even to secure the nine votes required to force Moscow and Beijing to wield their vetoes.

Another said the draft "goes beyond the current provisions" of the ban on conventional weapons sales to Iran that ends on October 18.

Under the deal, negotiated by then US President Barack Obama, Iran committed to curtailing its nuclear activities for sanctions relief and other benefits. President Donald Trump pulled America out of the accord in May 2018 and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of "maximum pressure."

Iran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief.

European allies of the United States -- who along with Russia and China, signed the deal with Iran -- have voiced support for extending the conventional arms embargo but their priority is to preserve the JCPOA.

According to AFP, the US text effectively calls for an indefinite extension of the embargo on Iran and uses hawkish rhetoric.

To this end, Iran says it has the right to self-defence and that a continuation of the ban would mean an end to the nuclear deal.

Experts say the gulf between the US and its allies threatens a summer of discontent at the Security Council as the October 18 deadline approaches.

UN-watchers suggest that EU countries on the Council could be brought on-board by a short-term extension of the embargo if it helps preserve the nuclear deal. They also say that members may propose their own draft resolution, but finding consensus is likely to be difficult with China and Russia intending to veto.

The United States has threatened to try to force a return of UN sanctions if it is not extended by using a controversial technique called "snapback."

The UN Security Council is set for a showdown next week as it may roundly reject a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. The embargo is due to expire under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The UN Security Council is set for a showdown next week as it may roundly reject a US resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo. The embargo is due to expire under the terms of a resolution that blessed the Iran nuclear deal, signed in July 2015 and officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Wednesday that the United States would put forward its long-awaited resolution despite ardent opposition from Russia and China. But UN diplomats say opposition to the resolution's current form is so widespread that Washington is unlikely even to secure the nine votes required to force Moscow and Beijing to wield their vetoes. Another said the draft "goes beyond the current provisions" of the ban on conventional weapons sales to Iran that ends on October 18. Under the deal, negotiated by then US President Barack Obama, Iran committed to curtailing its nuclear activities for sanctions relief and other benefits. President Donald Trump pulled America out of the accord in May 2018 and slapped unilateral sanctions on Iran under a campaign of "maximum pressure." Iran has since taken small but escalating steps away from compliance with the nuclear accord as it presses for sanctions relief. European allies of the United States -- who along with Russia and China, signed the deal with Iran -- have voiced support for extending the conventional arms embargo but their priority is to preserve the JCPOA. According to AFP, the US text effectively calls for an indefinite extension of the embargo on Iran and uses hawkish rhetoric. To this end, Iran says it has the right to self-defence and that a continuation of the ban would mean an end to the nuclear deal. Experts say the gulf between the US and its allies threatens a summer of discontent at the Security Council as the October 18 deadline approaches. UN-watchers suggest that EU countries on the Council could be brought on-board by a short-term extension of the embargo if it helps preserve the nuclear deal. They also say that members may propose their own draft resolution, but finding consensus is likely to be difficult with China and Russia intending to veto. The United States has threatened to try to force a return of UN sanctions if it is not extended by using a controversial technique called "snapback."

UN to discuss US Iran arms embargo push next week

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday urged United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to extend the arms embargo on Iran which is set to expire in October. "Because of the flawed nuclear deal negotiated by the previous American administration, the arms embargo on the world`s most heinous terrorist regime is scheduled to expire on October 18th, a mere four months from now.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday urged United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to extend the arms embargo on Iran which is set to expire in October. "Because of the flawed nuclear deal negotiated by the previous American administration, the arms embargo on the world`s most heinous terrorist regime is scheduled to expire on October 18th, a mere four months from now. Four months," Pompeo said while urging the members to "Stand for international peace and security, as the United Nations` founders intended." "If you fail to act, Iran will be free to purchase Russian-made fighter jets that can strike up to a 3,000-kilometre radius, putting cities like Riyadh, New Delhi, Rome, and Warsaw in Iranian crosshairs. Iran will be free to upgrade and expand its fleet of submarines to further threaten international shipping and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Arabian Sea," he said. The secretary of state said Iran was not a responsible democracy like Australia or India. ''Just consider the secretary general`s UNSCR 2231 report that we`re discussing today. The report confirmed that weapons used to attack Saudi Arabia in September 2019 were of Iranian origin. The report has also confirmed the weapons interdicted off the coast of Yemen in November of 2019 and February 2020 were of Iranian origin," he said. The US Secretary said that Iran has already been violating the arms embargo, even before its expiration date. "Imagine if Iranian activity were sanctioned, authorized by this group if the restrictions were lifted," he noted. "The United States` overwhelming preference is to work with this council to extend the arms embargo to protect human life, to protect our national security, and to protect yours. We`ve imposed arms restrictions on Tehran in various forms for 13 years, and with good reason, and to substantial effect." "Renewing the embargo will exert more pressure on Tehran to start behaving like a normal nation," he added. (With inputs from ANI)

Mike Pompeo urges UNSC to extend arms embargo on Iran

World leaders have agreed to UN arms embargo on Libya and to stop providing military support to the country's warring factions. However, the Berlin Summit failed to achieve its main goal of brokering a seize fire. Libya's warring factions and their allies met in Berlin in the first major international summit on the Libyan conflict in recent years. German chancellor Angela Merkel called for a political solution but she did not rule out military intervention in the North African countries civil war.

Libya peace summit in Berlin: World leaders agree on UN arms embargo

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