A State Department spokesman argued Monday that the current United Nations resolution in which Iran is “called upon” not to engage in ballistic missile testing is just as strong as an expired resolution that said Iran “shall not” engage in that activity.
Department spokesman Elizabeth Trudeau made that argument after being asked to explain whether the new resolution makes it harder for the U.S. to press for UN action against Iran’s missile program.
UN Security Council Resolution #2231, adopted last year, includes what most agree is weaker language, since it only asks Iran to stop testing missiles.
“Iran is called upon not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic missile technology, until the date eight years after the JCPOA Adoption Day…” the resolution said on page 99.
That resolution, adopted after the Iran nuclear agreement was struck, replaced older UN language that was notably tougher, since it said Iran “shall not” test missiles.
“Iran shall not undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using ballistic missile technology, and that State shall take all necessary measures to prevent the transfer of technology or technical assistance to Iran related to such activities,” UNSC Resolution #1929 said.
But when pressed on the difference is between the two resolutions, she said there is none.
“The new resolution, 2231, continues to call on Iran specifically not to undertake any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using ballistic missiles,” she said.
When it was pointed out that the new language doesn’t include the “shall not” formulation, she downplayed that as one of many “nuances.”
“I think there are nuances and words, and we will continue to vigorously press the case for UN Security Council Resolution 2231,” she said.
When asked if the new resolution makes it harder for the U.S. to get the UN to act, she said flatly, “No. The UN Security Council resolution continues to call on Iran specifically not to undertake any activity.”
She finally admitted, “it’s not exactly the same,” but then said, “we believe we have the tools.”
That discussion ensued after she was asked what the U.S. knows about another possible ballistic missile test from Iran over the weekend.
“We’re aware of Iranian comments on an additional ballistic missile launch,” she said. “We’re working to gather additional information at this time.”
“We remain concerned about Iran’s ballistic missile test launches, which are provocative and destabilizing,” she added.
