Latest news with #JamesKariuki
Voice of America
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Voice of America
US: Iran ignoring international concerns about its nuclear program
The United States warned Wednesday that it will continue to exert 'maximum pressure' on Iran in order to prevent it from achieving a nuclear weapon, as Tehran rejected its offer for new nuclear talks amid growing concerns about its stockpile of enriched uranium. 'As reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] Director General, Tehran continues to rapidly accelerate its production of highly enriched uranium,' the U.S. Mission to the United Nations said in a statement. 'It is also the only country in the world without nuclear weapons producing highly enriched uranium, for which it has no credible peaceful purpose.' The United States said Iran is 'flagrantly' defying the U.N. Security Council and ignoring 'the clear and consistent concerns" of both the council and the international community. 'The Council must be clear and united in addressing and condemning this brazen behavior,' the U.S. statement said. Iran has denied for years that its nuclear pursuits are for military purposes. But starting in May 2019, it gradually stopped implementing its nuclear-related commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, which provided Tehran with sanctions relief in exchange for limits on its nuclear program. In February 2021, it stopped implementing its commitments altogether. As a result, the IAEA no longer conducts verification and monitoring activities related to the deal, and that has raised many questions about what Iran is doing. The United States, along with Britain and France, which remain parties to the JCPOA, which the first Trump administration pulled out of, called a private meeting Wednesday of the U.N. Security Council to discuss Iran's proliferation efforts. Council members Greece, Panama and South Korea also supported the call. 'We're seriously concerned about the latest IAEA report about Iran's production of highly enriched uranium,' British Deputy U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki told reporters. 'The director general reported last month that Iran has now produced 275 kilos of uranium enriched to 60% – that's way beyond anything needed for civilian use – and no other non-nuclear state has anything like that amount,' he said. Kariuki said Britain will take any diplomatic measures necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, including reimposing U.N. sanctions – a process known as snapback. Under the terms of the deal, previous U.N. sanctions can 'snap back' if Tehran does not live up to its commitments. The JCPOA is due to expire in October, which means the window could soon be closing for substantive negotiations. Iran's U.N. ambassador participated in the meeting, but his U.N. mission criticized it, saying on the social media platform X that 'Washington openly seeks to weaponize the UNSC to escalate economic warfare against Iran. This dangerous abuse must be rejected to protect the Council's credibility.' UNSC is shorthand for the U.N. Security Council. Russia and China, who also are JCPOA signatories, are allies of Tehran. China's U.N. ambassador told reporters that the nuclear issue is being dealt with in Vienna at the IAEA and that Beijing was not supportive of Wednesday's council meeting. Fu Cong blamed the Trump administration for disrupting the JCPOA in the first place by withdrawing in 2017, but at the same time he said China hopes there can be a new deal before October's expiration. 'Putting maximum pressure on a certain country is not going to achieve the goal,' he added. Fu noted that China will convene a meeting in Beijing with Iran and Russia on Friday, to try to facilitate a possible deal to stabilize the situation. It will be chaired by Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi are expected to attend.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Britain warns Iran sanctions could be reimposed as UN Security Council meets
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Britain warned on Wednesday that it would trigger a return of U.N. sanctions on Iran, if needed, to prevent it from getting a nuclear weapon as the Security Council met to discuss Tehran's expansion of its stock of uranium close to weapons grade. Iran has denied wanting to develop a nuclear weapon. However, it is "dramatically" accelerating enrichment of uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% weapons-grade level, the U.N. nuclear watchdog - the International Atomic Energy Agency - has warned. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Western states say there is no need to enrich uranium to such a high level under any civilian program and that no other country has done so without producing nuclear bombs. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful. "We are clear that we will take any diplomatic measures to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, that includes the use of snapback (of sanctions), if needed," Britain's deputy U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki told reporters ahead of the meeting. The closed-door meeting was called by six of the council's 15 members - the U.S., France, Greece, Panama, South Korea and Britain. Iran's U.N. mission accused the United States of seeking to weaponize the U.N. Security Council "to escalate economic warfare against Iran," adding in a post on X: "This dangerous abuse must be rejected to protect the council's credibility." The U.S. mission to the U.N. said in a statement after the council meeting that Iran was "the only country in the world without nuclear weapons producing highly enriched uranium, for which it has no credible peaceful purpose." It accused Iran of defying the Security Council and violating IAEA obligations, calling on the council to "be clear and united in addressing and condemning this brazen behavior." 'SEIZE THE LIMITED TIME' U.S. President Donald Trump last month restored a "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran in a bid to stop Tehran from building a nuclear weapon. But he also said he was open to a deal and was willing to talk to Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. Trump wrote a letter to Iran calling for nuclear talks, which was delivered on Wednesday, but Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected holding negotiations. China will hold a meeting on Friday in Beijing with Russia and Iran on the Iranian "nuclear issue", its foreign ministry said, with both nations sending their deputy foreign ministers. "We still hope that we can seize the limited time we have before the termination date in October this year, in order to have a deal, a new deal so that the JCPOA can be maintained," China's U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong told reporters ahead of the Security Council meeting. "Putting maximum pressure on a certain country is not going to achieve the goal," he said. Iran reached a deal in 2015 with Britain, Germany, France, the U.S., Russia and China - known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - that lifted sanctions on Tehran in return for restrictions on its nuclear program. Washington quit the agreement in 2018 during Trump's first term as U.S. president, and Iran began moving away from its nuclear-related commitments. Britain, France and Germany will lose the ability to trigger the so-called snap back of all international sanctions on Iran on October 18 when the 2015 U.N. resolution on the deal expires. Trump has directed his U.N. diplomats to work with allies to snap back international sanctions and restrictions on Iran. Under the complex two-month JCPOA dispute resolution process, the European parties to the deal effectively have until early August to trigger a snapback of U.N. sanctions on Iran.
Reuters
12-03-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Britain warns Iran sanctions could be reimposed as UN Security Council meets
UNITED NATIONS, March 12 (Reuters) - Britain warned on Wednesday that it would trigger a return of U.N. sanctions on Iran, if needed, to prevent it from getting a nuclear weapon as the Security Council met to discuss Tehran's expansion of its stock of uranium close to weapons grade. Iran has denied wanting to develop a nuclear weapon. However, it is "dramatically" accelerating enrichment of uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% weapons-grade level, the U.N. nuclear watchdog - the International Atomic Energy Agency - has warned. Western states say there is no need to enrich uranium to such a high level under any civilian program and that no other country has done so without producing nuclear bombs. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful. "We are clear that we will take any diplomatic measures to prevent Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, that includes the use of snapback (of sanctions), if needed," Britain's deputy U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki told reporters ahead of the meeting. The closed-door meeting was called by six of the council's 15 members - the U.S., France, Greece, Panama, South Korea and Britain. Iran's U.N. mission accused the United States of seeking to weaponize the U.N. Security Council "to escalate economic warfare against Iran," adding in a post on X: "This dangerous abuse must be rejected to protect the council's credibility." The U.S. mission to the U.N. said in a statement after the council meeting that Iran was "the only country in the world without nuclear weapons producing highly enriched uranium, for which it has no credible peaceful purpose." It accused Iran of defying the Security Council and violating IAEA obligations, calling on the council to "be clear and united in addressing and condemning this brazen behavior." 'SEIZE THE LIMITED TIME' U.S. President Donald Trump last month restored a "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran in a bid to stop Tehran from building a nuclear weapon. But he also said he was open to a deal and was willing to talk to Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. Trump wrote a letter to Iran calling for nuclear talks, which was delivered on Wednesday, but Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected holding negotiations. China will hold a meeting on Friday in Beijing with Russia and Iran on the Iranian "nuclear issue", its foreign ministry said, with both nations sending their deputy foreign ministers. "We still hope that we can seize the limited time we have before the termination date in October this year, in order to have a deal, a new deal so that the JCPOA can be maintained," China's U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong told reporters ahead of the Security Council meeting. "Putting maximum pressure on a certain country is not going to achieve the goal," he said. Iran reached a deal in 2015 with Britain, Germany, France, the U.S., Russia and China - known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - that lifted sanctions on Tehran in return for restrictions on its nuclear program. Washington quit the agreement in 2018 during Trump's first term as U.S. president, and Iran began moving away from its nuclear-related commitments. Britain, France and Germany will lose the ability to trigger the so-called snap back of all international sanctions on Iran on October 18 when the 2015 U.N. resolution on the deal expires. Trump has directed his U.N. diplomats to work with allies to snap back international sanctions and restrictions on Iran. Under the complex two-month JCPOA dispute resolution process, the European parties to the deal effectively have until early August to trigger a snapback of U.N. sanctions on Iran.
Khabar Agency
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Khabar Agency
UK Vows to Hold Houthis Accountable
The United Kingdom has thrown its weight behind the United Nations' decision to suspend humanitarian operations in Yemen's Houthi-held Saada Governorate, citing 'grave risks' to aid workers and systemic obstruction by the Iran-backed militia. Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, delivered a scathing condemnation of Houthi abuses during a Security Council session on Yemen, linking the group's actions to a deepening humanitarian catastrophe. Kariuki opened by applauding the Council's unified condemnation of Houthi detentions, including the tragic death of a World Food Programme (WFP) staffer in custody. 'Continued Council unity sends an unequivocal message: Release all detainees immediately and unconditionally,' he declared. The UK envoy emphasized that the UN's pause in Saada—a Houthi stronghold—is a direct response to the militia's 'relentless threats' against humanitarian personnel, who face kidnappings, bureaucratic hurdles, and violence. The suspension compounds existing crises worsened by climate change, with Kariuki noting that 'water scarcity and food insecurity are now weaponized by conflict.' A morning press briefing by UN officials, including remarks from Ms. Ali of OCHA, echoed concerns over Houthi restrictions strangling aid to 21 million Yemenis in need. Weapons Intercepted, Iran Accused of Fueling War In a significant revelation, Kariuki highlighted the Yemeni Coast Guard's recent interception of a dhow smuggling advanced Iranian-made weapon components—including missile parts and drones—to Houthi-controlled Hodeida port. 'This is irrefutable proof of Tehran's destabilizing role,' he stated, condemning Iran's 'blatant violation' of the UN arms embargo under Resolution 2216. The UK renewed calls for global enforcement of the embargo and urged the international community to bolster the UN Verification and Inspection Mechanism (UNVIM), tasked with blocking illicit arms flows. 'UNVIM is Yemen's lifeline against smuggled weapons. It must be fully funded,' Kariuki insisted. Maritime Security Push and Path to Peace Amid rising Red Sea tensions, the UK announced plans to launch the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership later this year, collaborating with Yemen's government and allies to strengthen coastal defenses. The initiative aims to empower Yemen's Coast Guard to combat smuggling and piracy, critical steps toward stabilizing trade routes. Kariuki reaffirmed the UK's commitment to a UN-led political solution, pledging unwavering support for Special Envoy Hans Grundberg's efforts. 'There is no military fix to this conflict. Only an inclusive, Yemeni-owned process can bring lasting peace,' he asserted.
