Hook: Lifting Arms Embargo On Iran Will Intensify Conflicts In Syria And Elsewhere

The United States Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook says conflicts in Syria and elsewhere will escalate if the United Nations arms embargo on Iran is lifted.

Meanwhile, Hook added that the Islamic Republic of Iran has constantly continued to violate the terms of the arms embargo.

Based on the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran the UN Security Council will lift the arms embargo imposed on Iran more than a decade ago by October 18. However, the United States has started an initiative to extend the embargo beyond the deadline, what seems to be part of its maximum pressure campaign.

The United States believes lifting the arms embargo against Iran would be dangerous. Washington has prepared a draft resolution it has submitted to the UNSC members.

Hook said that ending the embargo will seriously compromise peace and security of the Middle East.

“No one believes Iran should be able to buy and sell conventional weapons,” he said, adding that “Conflicts in Syria and elsewhere will intensify if arms embargo on Iran is lifted.”

Russia and China have opposed the idea of extending the embargo, but the United States is still trying to convince the two countries to vote for an extension.

U.S. President Donald Trump has earlier discussed the matter in a conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, but Russian officials appear to be adamant not to change their position.