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United Nations

US Accuses Iran of Violating UN Sanctions by Smuggling Iraqi Petroleum

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United States has accused Iran of violating UN economic sanctions against Iraq by smuggling Iraqi petroleum through the Gulf. The accusation comes as the US push for stricter enforcement of sanctions against Iraq, while other nations, such as France and Russia, advocate for a lifting of the oil embargo. The Iranian government has responded by stating that it has taken steps to curb such violations, including intercepting seven "suspect" vessels attempting to smuggle Iraqi cargo.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has accused Iran of violating UN economic sanctions against Iraq by smuggling Iraqi petroleum through the Gulf.
  • The smuggling of Iraqi petroleum has been ongoing for some time, with a steady increase in volume over the course of this year.
  • The UN sanctions committee has no mechanism for enforcing sanctions, but can only apply political and diplomatic pressure.
  • Iran has acknowledged the smuggling of Iraqi cargo and has taken steps to curb such activities, including intercepting seven "suspect" vessels.
  • The US believes the sanctions committee should consider recommending additional measures to discourage the smuggling of Iraqi petroleum.
  • France and Russia are leading a move to push for the lifting of the oil embargo, contradicting the hardline position of the US and Britain.

Statistics:

  • The volume of Iraqi petroleum smuggling in the Gulf has grown steadily over the course of this year.
  • Seven "suspect" vessels have been intercepted by the Iranian naval guard attempting to smuggle Iraqi cargo.
  • The US has introduced the situation to the UN sanctions committee, with no immediate action expected.

Sources:

  • "Statement by U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative Edward Gnehm to the U.N. sanctions committee," United Nations, December 19
  • "Iranian Ambassador Kamal Kharrazi's letter to the U.N. sanctions committee," United Nations, December 19
  • "U.N. economic sanctions impose restrictions on Iraq's sale of oil," United Nations, August 1990
  • "Report by the U.N. commission monitoring Iraq's weapons industry," United Nations, December 19
  • "Cyprus-based oil newsletter," February 16 meeting of the U.N. sanctions committee

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