On 20 July last year, the Council adopted resolution 2231 (2015), endorsing the JCPOA under which Iran pledged that it would not seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
The resolution called the deal a “culmination of diplomatic efforts” by Iran and the so-called E3+3 – China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
In his statement, Ban Ki-moon said the JCPOA was “a triumph of diplomacy” for conflict resolution and prevention, and strengthened global norms for nuclear non-proliferation.
“Resolution 2231 (2015) heralded a fundamental shift in Iran’s relationship with the Security Council, and provided a defined time schedule for the removal of the Iran nuclear issue from the Council’s agenda,” the Secretary-General said.
According to IRNA, he also commended Iran for implementing its nuclear-related commitments, as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency, while also applauding the steps taken by the European Union and the United States.
“One year on, I remain certain that the JCPOA is the best way to ensure the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and to realize the great aspirations of the Iranian people,” he said, calling for the agreement and resolution 2231 to be implemented in a comprehensive manner, based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.
The UN Secretary General also hailed the United States and Europe for taking steps towards removing sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
That would facilitate greater cooperation to achieve international peace and security, he said.
EghtesadOnline: In a statement on Wednesday, the UN chief congratulated Iran and the participants in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the first anniversary of the “historic achievement” and commended progress made so far.