By Published On: August 19, 2020Categories: NEWS
NCRIUS-Webinar

People from across the globe joined in on the Iranian opposition NCRI webinar discussing the imperative to reimpose United Nations sanctions on the mullahs’ regime ruling Iran—August 19, 2020

NCRI – US office conference: “The Imperative to Reimpose UN Sanctions”

Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director of the NCRI US Representative Office.

Alireza-Jafarzadeh

Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director of the NCRI US Representative Office, speaking at the Iranian opposition NCRI webinar discussing the imperative to snapback UN sanctions on the mullahs’ regime ruling Iran—August 19, 2020

According to the Mojahedin-e Khalq (PMOI / MEK Iran), Over 90,000 people have died of Covid-19 across Iran. The regime has prioritized providing $400 million to Hezbollah in Lebanon over the past six months, as opposed to $300 million to counter the Covid-19 pandemic for a population of 85 million in Iran. Instead of allocating money to save lives, each person in Iran will receive 59 cents a month.

Nurses in Iran are underpaid, earning at most $200 per month, while the Iranian regime pays its agents at least five times that amount. During a deadly pandemic, this demonstrates the priorities of the regime.

David Shedd, former acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency

David-Shedd

David Shedd, former acting Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, speaking at the Iranian opposition NCRI webinar discussing the imperative to snapback UN sanctions on the mullahs’ regime ruling Iran—August 19, 2020

Regarding Iran’s stockpile of nuclear weapons, from 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to the arms embargo, there are three key principles which should be considered:

  • Iran is challenging the international order by not matching the standard set by the international community.
  • The Iranian regime rules with a despotic hand when it comes to the interests of the Iranian people. Protests are suppressed by the regime’s security apparatus.
  • Iran has created an alliance with Russia, China, and North Korea, and other countries are known for their missile programs and other malign behavior.

In conclusion, by not abiding by international order and the limitations of the UN agreed nuclear arms JCPOA, Iran cannot be considered a responsible nation in a civilized world.

Amb. Paula Dobriansky, former United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland

Amb.-Paula-Dobriansky

Amb. Paula Dobriansky, the former United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, speaking at the Iranian opposition NCRI webinar discussing the imperative to snapback UN sanctions on the mullahs’ regime ruling Iran—August 19, 2020

It is important to consider Iran as a part of the wider geopolitical context. Iran is engaged in malign activities that undermine not only our interests but also those of our allies.

There is a divide between the US and Europe over Iran. EU members, such as Germany and Estonia, as well as the UK, opted to abstain from the arms embargo vote. This is because of the support for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and the context of the policies they wish to pursue.

The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia view Iran as a direct threat. This is understandable as The UN stated that Iran was responsible for the attack on Saudi oil facilities last September. The removal of the arms embargo would allow Iran to continue its hegemonic goals in the region.

The conditions in Iran today are also worth considering, specifically the human rights record. All reports speak to the brutal actions and the shocking human rights record. Last November massive protests took place across all of Iran’s provinces. Lethal force was used to suppress and kill hundreds of innocent protesters, as well as injuring thousands. The State Department reported 1,500 people were killed and 9,000 detained, but the real numbers could be much higher. For example, sixty percent of executions are kept secret in Iran.

This only scratches the surface of Iran’s human rights issues but it underscores the need for moving forward with the maximum pressure campaign and the snapback of sanctions.

Prof. Matthew Kroenig, from the Department of Government and the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University

Prof.-Matthew-Kroenig

Prof. Matthew Kroenig of Georgetown University speaking at the Iranian opposition NCRI webinar discussing the imperative to snapback UN sanctions on the mullahs’ regime ruling Iran—August 19, 2020

The maximum pressure strategy has made it more difficult for Iran to fund its nuclear program and has destabilized Iran’s activities. We are seeing unprecedented levels of pressure on the regime and are witnessing the protests and uprisings in the country. The regime is in a difficult position and I believe are waiting out the U.S. elections in order to consider their next move.

Lifting Iran’s arms embargo would pose a problem for the U.S. and its allies. Our European allies don’t want to see this happen and there’s a bipartisan consensus to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon.

Amb. Robert Joseph, former Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security

Amb.-Robert-Joseph

Amb. Robert Joseph, former Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, speaking at the Iranian opposition NCRI webinar discussing the imperative to snapback UN sanctions on the mullahs’ regime ruling Iran—August 19, 2020

The question of extending the UN arms embargo provides a microcosm of wider issues. It is self-evident that continuing the arms embargo is necessary for the U.S. and the international community. Without the embargo, Iran would gain access to advanced capabilities to further its regional aggressions.

Failing to extend the embargo would be the end of any prospect for establishing multilateral sanctions in the future and could also have wider implications for the UN Security Council.

The previous administration repeatedly stated that there was a binary choice between war and negotiations, however, negotiation is not always the best solution. Such as in the case of Neville Chamberlain, former UK Prime Minister, who had a successful negotiation with Adolf Hilter. The negotiation backfired and encouraged the Nazi Party to continue their aggression.

NCRI webinar

Iranian opposition NCRI webinar gathers experts weighing the imperative to reimpose United Nations sanctions on the mullahs’ regime ruling Iran—August 19, 2020

For the past 30 years, every administration has sought out meaningful talks with Iran, without success. Some may consider the JCPOA to be a success, however, it is worth questioning what it achieved as it did not result in a more moderate Iran. The regime used billions of dollars to expand its aggression abroad and suppress its people.

However, the problem is not the JCPOA but rather the regime itself. It will not give up its ambitions for nuclear weapons or abandon its terror tactics. While we dream of a different Iran, that dream will become a nightmare if we do not acknowledge that the regime is the real problem.

Negotiations in good faith with this regime are simply not an option and therefore maximum pressure must be kept on the regime. Sanctions have had a profound effect; Iran’s economy is in shambles because of the regime’s incompetence, corruption, and international sanctions.

The regime has been left with nowhere to turn and selling up the country’s future to China is the next desperate act. We must not throw the regime another lifeline. We must deny the regime its legitimacy by highlighting its reign of terror for the past 40 years. The regime is the greatest threat to its own people, demonstrated by the desperate act of killing its own citizens. They must be held accountable for their crimes against humanity. Importantly, regime change must come from within and ultimately will come from within.

Mrs. Maryam Rajavi the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s (NCRI): An Arms Embargo against the religious fascism ruling Iran is indispensable to regional & global peace & security. The regime’s unimpeded purchase & sale of weapons will have no result other than terrorism, warmongering & export of fundamentalism.

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