US envoy: UN arms embargo on Iran must remain in place

An expiring United Nations weapons embargo on Iran must remain in place because "anything that is a big win for a state sponsor of terrorism, such as Iran should be very concerning to everyone," the U.S. special representative to Iran said Sunday.

Brian Hook told The Associated Press that the world should ignore Iran's threats to retaliate if the arms embargo set to expire in October is extended.

Among its options, the Islamic Republic could expel international inspectors monitoring Iran's nuclear program, deepening a crisis created by U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrawing from Tehran's 2015 nuclear accord with global powers.

The U.N. arms embargo so far has stopped Iran from purchasing fighter jets, tanks, warships and other weaponry, but has failed to halt its smuggling of weapons into war zones.

Hook argued both an import and export ban must remain in place.

Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Hook's remarks.

Hook made the comments while on a visit to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.S.-allied United Arab Emirates, as part of a Mideast tour. Hook met Saturday with Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and planned Sunday to meet with other officials. Hook declined to say where else he would travel on his trip.

Hook spoke to AP journalists in Dubai via videoconference as Abu Dhabi’s borders remain closed to the UAE’s six other sheikhdoms over the coronavirus pandemic.

Hook also spoke about the need for release for U.S citizens detained in Iran.

At the beginning of June, U.S Navy Veteran Michael White was released after nearly two years of detention, winning his freedom as part of a deal that spared an American-Iranian physician any more time behind US bars.