Baku, Azerbaijan Feb. 16
By Dalga Khatinoglu – Trend:
An official with the US Department of State in an exclusive interview with Trend has accused Iran of undermining regional security, urging the Islamic Republic to cease “provocations”.
“Iran’s continued ballistic missiles development and support for terrorism are provocative and undermine security, prosperity, and stability throughout the region,” said the US Department of State official. “We call on Iran to cease such provocations.”
“The United States is committed to the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2231, which calls upon Iran not to undertake any launches of ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering a nuclear weapon and which expressly prohibits the transfer of Missile Technology Control Regime items and related support to Iran's ballistic missile program.”
“It should not be of any surprise to Iran that we would take actions against companies and individuals that attempt to further Iran’s support for terrorism or aid its ballistic missile program,” added the US State Department official.
Officials from Iran and the US have recently exchanged sharp criticism over several reports on the Islamic Republic’s missile tests.
Iranian officials over the past month have confirmed that the country has carried out at least one “successful” missile test.
The Iranian officials argue that the country’s missile tests are neither against the nuclear deal, reached between Tehran and the world powers in 2015, nor the UN Security Council Resolution 2231.