UNITED NATIONS: The United States and three allies called for a Security Council meeting to respond to Iran's recent ballistic missile tests which they say were carried out in defiance of a UN resolution.

A report from the US, France, Britain and Germany obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press calls the launches "destabilizing and provocative." It said the Shahab-3 medium-range ballistic missile and Qiam-1 short-range ballistic missile fired by Iran are "inherently capable of delivering nuclear weapons."

Related: Iran tests more missiles

A Security Council resolution adopted after the Iran nuclear deal was signed last year calls for Iran not to launch any ballistic missiles capable of delivering a nuclear weapon.

But when the Iranian test-firings were raised in the council on March 14, Russia said the launches did not violate the resolution because "a call" is not a demand. Russia's stance makes any council action unlikely because as a permanent council member it has veto power.

Iran's UN Mission said at the time that the country "has never sought to acquire nuclear weapons and never will in the future." It said the missile tests "were part of ongoing efforts of its armed forces to strengthen its legitimate defense capabilities ... against security threats."

The report from the four Western nations was sent to Spain's UN ambassador who has been designated by the Security Council to receive communications about Iran's compliance with the resolution.

It asked Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to report "fully and thoroughly" on Iranian ballistic missile activity "inconsistent" with the council resolution, and for the Security Council to discuss "appropriate responses."

Related: Russia opposes UN sanctions on Iran over missile tests

The four nations condemned the threats against Israel in Iranian statements about the launches.

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon welcomed the council's call for action.

"There must be consequences for Iran's hostility towards Israel," he said in a statement late Tuesday. "The international community must take action and impose sanctions against the Iranian regime."

Opinion

Accessing the RSF

Accessing the RSF

RSF can help catalyse private sector inves­tment encouraging investment flows, build upon institutional partnerships with MDBs, other financial institutions.

Editorial

Madressah oversight
Updated 19 Dec, 2024

Madressah oversight

Bill should be reconsidered and Directorate General of Religious Education, formed to oversee seminaries, should not be rolled back.
Kurram’s misery
19 Dec, 2024

Kurram’s misery

THE unfolding humanitarian crisis in Kurram district, particularly in Parachinar city, has reached alarming...
Hiking gas rates
19 Dec, 2024

Hiking gas rates

IMPLEMENTATION of a new Ogra recommendation to increase the gas prices by an average 8.7pc or Rs142.45 per mmBtu in...
Geopolitical games
Updated 18 Dec, 2024

Geopolitical games

While Assad may be gone — and not many are mourning the end of his brutal rule — Syria’s future does not look promising.
Polio’s toll
18 Dec, 2024

Polio’s toll

MONDAY’s attacks on polio workers in Karak and Bannu that martyred Constable Irfanullah and wounded two ...
Development expenditure
18 Dec, 2024

Development expenditure

PAKISTAN’S infrastructure development woes are wide and deep. The country must annually spend at least 10pc of its...