BICOM

The US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley told the UN Security Council yesterday that the US may need to “take action on our own” against Iran.

Haley was responding to Russia’s veto of a UNSC resolution criticising Iran for failing to prevent its weapons falling into the hands of Houthi rebels in Yemen. She said: “If Russia is going to continue to cover for Iran… If we’re not going to get action on the council then we have to take our own actions”.

The initial draft text of the resolution, which included a condemnation of Iran for violating an arms embargo on Houthi leaders, was diluted to “note [the violation] with particular concern” in an attempt to gain Russian support, but this was not enough to prevent the veto. The resolution received 11 votes in favour, with Bolivia joining Russia in voting against and China and Kazakhstan abstaining.

UK Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jonathan Allen, said that “the UNSC must not ignore the growing ballistic missile threat emanating from Yemen”. “Those who do not vote in favour of this resolution today are preventing us from sending a clear message to those who seek to undermine the peace and security in Yemen and the region beyond,” he added.

An unnamed senior Western diplomat told Reuters: “We don’t have any illusions with regard to Iran’s policy towards Israel, Iran’s role in the region… and also what they do in terms of constructing ballistic missiles.”

In return, the Iranian delegation accused the US and Britain of misusing the council “to advance their political agenda and put the blame of all that happens in Yemen on Iran”.

Haley also took the opportunity to comment on the possibility that the US could withdraw from the JCPOA nuclear agreement with Iran: “Obviously this vote isn’t going to make the decision on the nuclear deal. What I can say is it doesn’t help,” she said.