One day after Russia vetoed a western bid for the United Nations Security Council to call out Tehran for failing to prevent its weapons from falling into the hands of Yemen’s Houthi rebel group, the United States and three European allies condemned Tehran’s role in Yemen.
Britain, France, Germany and the United States urged Iran to "immediately cease all activities that are inconsistent or would violate" the UN resolution that established the arms embargo in 2015.
The joint condemnation came a day after Russia vetoed a British-drafted resolution renewing sanctions on Yemen and citing "particular concern" about a report's findings on Iran.
The report by a UN panel of experts in January concluded that Iran was in violation after determining that missiles fired by the Houthis at Saudi Arabia last year were made in Iran.
Russia, however, questioned the findings and blocked the resolution, saying the report did not contain conclusive evidence of Iran's violation of the arms embargo.
"We condemn Iran's non-compliance, as described by the panel, which poses serious risks to peace and stability in the region," said the joint statement released by the US mission.
For his part, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani told a gathering of people in the southern province of Hormozgan on Wednesday: “We appreciate Russia for taking right stances at the UN Security Council. We denounce the US and the UK, who sought plot against the Iranian nation.”
Rouhani on Wednesday said his government is ready to discuss regional security issues with its GCC neighbors as long as foreign powers are kept out of any potential talks.
“We don't need foreigners to guarantee the security of our region,” Rouhani said in a speech broadcast on state television.
“When it comes to regional security arrangements, we are ready to talk to our neighbors and friends, without the presence of foreigners,” he added.
The United States has failed to harm Iran, said Rouhani. Iran will not ask for permission to build its own missiles, aircraft, tanks and other military equipment to protect itself and the entire region, according to the Iranian President.
