The United States on Monday convened a UN Security Council meeting aimed at advancing sanctions against Iran over its recent ballistic missile tests that Washington considers to be in violation of a UN resolution.
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The statement also believed that with the Zionist regime being the sole nuclear power in the Middle East and with Persian Gulf Arab countries now in an arms race, Iran had a legitimate right to build up its defensive system including ballistic missiles.
Talks between Key on Monday, following talks between Zarif and Foreign Minister Murray McCully on Sunday, focused on security issues relevant to New Zealand’s role on the United Nations Security Council, as well as investment and trade.
He warned that “ignoring Iran’s violations will give a green light for continuing nuclear missile tests”.
The Iranian foreign minister made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop at the Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday.
It said the rockets could not carry nuclear warheads, because Iran does not have a nuclear weapons programme.
But the United States insisted the tests violated the resolution and should prompt additional sanctions by the council.
“Having heard the foreign minister’s explanation, it is Australia’s position that should the U.N. Security Council wish to investigate this matter, then that would be the proper legal process for it to do so”, Bishop said.
The United States slapped sanctions on Iran in January over its ballistic missile program, even as the world hailed the implementation of the nuclear deal reached between Tehran and Western powers.
“The onus is on Iran to prove that it is on its way back to being a responsible global player”, Bishop said in Fiji, where she was discussing aid after a recent cyclone.
“Iran will never use any means to attack any country, including our missiles”.
“I asked him about the nationality of the individuals involved, he said they were nearly always Iranians”.
“Why are they saying all options are on the table?” he added.
The government is looking to “refresh” New Zealand’s relationship with Iran – after long-running economic sanctions were lifted this year.
Labour Party leader Andrew Little said he did not have a problem about engaging with Iran as the “international thaw” was under way. Find us on Facebook too!
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As the Obama administration enters its final months, Faisal said that Saudi Arabia “will continue to hold the American people as our ally”.
