World may drop UNSC involvement if Tehran cooperates

World powers are considering dropping UN Security Council involvement in Iran’s nuclear file if Tehran agrees to suspend uranium enrichment...

World powers are considering dropping UN Security Council involvement in Iran’s nuclear file if Tehran agrees to suspend uranium enrichment, but could push for selective sanctions backed by the threat of force if it doesn’t, diplomats said today.

Citing from a draft proposal now being considered by the five UNSC nations plus Germany, one of the diplomats said it could still undergo revision before the six nations sit down on Wednesday to approve it.

The proposal says the international community will “agree to suspend discussion of Iran’s file at the UNSC,” if Tehran resumes discussion on its nuclear programme and suspends enrichment during such talks and lifts a ban on intrusive inspections by experts of the IAEA.

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It also offers help in “the building of new light water reactors in Iran,” offers an assured supply of nuclear fuel for up to five years and calls for Tehran to accept a plan that would remove its own enrichment programme to Russia to prevent misuse.

But any such offer was rejected by Iran’s foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki. He said that—while Iran wants the UNSC to end its involvement—“suspending nuclear activities goes against our legitimate rights and is not part of the NPT”.

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar speaking on the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (X/@DrSJaishankar)

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