Intel: Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted Iranian weapons bound for Yemen

If what Hook and Jubeir announced is accurate, the seizure would be the latest reported example of Iran violating an arms embargo on Yemen, which has been torn apart by civil war since 2015. The United States has announced two prior seizures of shipments of Iranian-made weapons bound for Yemen, including small arms, rocket launchers and drone parts.

The United States has distributed a draft resolution to the Security Council to renew the embargo on Iran. Russia and China have voiced opposition to the move.

Hook said Monday the weapons displayed in Riyadh “are all the evidence we need that the arms embargo on Iran must not be lifted.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said earlier this month that cruise missiles used in a large attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities last year were of “Iranian origin.”

What’s Next:  The United States has threatened to snap-back international sanctions on Tehran if the Security Council does not renew the embargo. Russia’s foreign minister has argued the United States does not have the authority to do that because the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018.

International sanctions against Iran were lifted in 2015 under the nuclear deal but can be brought back if Iran violates its obligations. UN officials have reported that Iran violated some of its obligations in response to the United States’ withdrawal from the deal and imposition of unilateral sanctions in 2018.

Germany, Britain and France said this month they will not support the Trump administration’s effort if it decides to snap-back sanctions on Tehran, calling instead for a return to dialogue.

Neither the Trump administration nor Iran is likely to back down soon. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rebuffed Rouhani’s offer to return to negotiations with the United States if Washington apologizes to Tehran. Iran continues to deny UN nuclear inspectors access to two defunct sites over the objections of international member states. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-supported Houthi rebels continue to lob ballistic missiles into Saudi Arabia.

Know More:  Iran slammed US threats to reimpose sanctions, but the Trump administration appears intent to box Tehran in, Al-Monitor reports.