Security Council extends mandate of panel monitoring Iran sanctions

The Security Council today extended the mandate of the expert panel established to monitor and enforce sanctions against Iran over its failure to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its nuclear programme.

Today’s resolution, adopted unanimously, extends the group’s mandate for one year, through 9 July 2014.

The Council has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Iran since 2006, including a ban on all items which could contribute to the country’s enrichment of uranium, a necessary step for both peaceful and militaristic uses of nuclear energy, and arms sales and a freeze on assets.

Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear programme is for the peaceful purpose of providing energy, but many countries contend it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

The issue has been of international concern since the discovery in 2003 that Iran had concealed its nuclear activities for 18 years in breach of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).