On Wednesday, the Iranian news agency reported that Tehran conveyed a letter condemning the UN’s latest decision to suspend the country’s vote right in the UN General Assembly. The letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, was sent by the Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, according to the agency.
Identifying the suspension decision as “entirely unacceptable and completely unjustified,” Zarif briefed Guterres regarding the reasons that caused a delay in financial contributions that Iran has to pay to the UN. Zarif stated that the US sanctions imposed on the Iranian assets are the main factor stirring such a delay.
In his letter, Zarif noted, “Iran has been forcibly blocked from transferring their own money and resources to buy food and medicine by a permanent member of the United Nations,” referring to the United States.
The Iranian Minister also added that the US economic sanctions, imposed by former President Donald Trump, have been sustained by his successor, Joe Biden. Zarif also accused Washington of using the sanctions as a pressure mechanism on Iran.
It is noteworthy that the decision came as the indirect talks between Washington and Tehran are ongoing in Vienna, where the negotiations between Iran and the remaining parties of JCPOA to revive the 2015 nuclear deal are ongoing.
Some speculations regarding the talks in Vienna reached an impasse have circulated in media outlets. The sixth round of the nuclear talks is expected to be held this week.
On June 4, the United Nations decided to temporarily suspend the voting rights of Iran alongside four other countries, including the Central African Republic, Somalia, Comoros, and Sao Tome, due to delinquent dues. According to the UN statement issued on the matter, Iran owes more than $16.2 million.
