(Reuters) Louis Charbonneau and Michelle Nichols - Iran will likely escape new UN sanctions for recent launches of what Western officials described as ballistic missiles capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, UN Security Council diplomats said. The Security Council resolution adopted last July as part of the Iran nuclear deal "calls upon" Iran to refrain for up to eight years from activity, including launches, related to ballistic missiles designed with the capability of delivering nuclear weapons. Key powers agree that request is not legally binding and cannot be enforced under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which deals with sanctions and authorization of military force. Western nations, which view the language as a ban, say there is a political obligation on Iran to comply. Russia, which has Security Council veto power, says Iran has not violated the resolution.
2016-03-18 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive