New york: The US analyst Robert Fantina has criticized the UN Security Council’s recent decision against Iran, stating that it further diminishes the council’s stature, which is already perceived as ineffective because of its inability to prevent genocide and its portrayal as a tool for US imperialism.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Fantina expressed his views in an exclusive interview, arguing that the consideration of reinstating sanctions against Iran by the UN Security Council is absurd. He emphasized that such actions degrade the council’s status, which is already struggling with its reputation due to its failures in addressing global conflicts effectively.
Fantina explained that the reinstatement of sanctions against Iran was part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), an agreement signed by several major global powers, including the United States, China, France, Germany, Iran, Russia, Britain, and the European Union in 2015. The US Congress was required to certify quarterly that Iran was in compliance, which it did consistently.
Despite Iran’s adherence to the agreement, as acknowledged by the US itself, former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord in 2018, reimposing US sanctions. Under US pressure, France, Germany, and Britain followed suit, according to Fantina. Iran maintained its obligations for a year, hoping for a change in the US administration’s stance, but eventually resumed its nuclear enrichment program when no policy shift occurred.
Criticizing the approach of the UN Security Council, Fantina noted that the council has distanced itself from its mission. He pointed out that the veto power held by the United States, France, Britain, China, and Russia makes the Security Council an undemocratic international body, where any of these nations can override the will of the majority of its members.
Fantina further criticized the US for frequently abusing its veto power to advance its interests, often at the expense of international law and human rights. He highlighted the role of the Israeli lobby and American pressure within the United Nations, noting the influence of pro-Israel lobby groups in US politics.
He stressed that the US and Israel have historically shown little interest in diplomacy and dialogue, relying instead on their military strength to impose their will. This has been evident in the US’s use of vetoes in the Security Council to shield Israel from accountability for its actions, which Fantina described as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Discussing the potential impact of the upcoming 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Fantina acknowledged the diminishing influence of the United States on the global stage, with countries like Russia, China, and India increasing their alliances. He also highlighted the growing strength of organizations like BRICS.
Fantina warned that a declining world power like the United States is dangerous, comparing it to a wounded animal. He criticized Trump for his role in enabling conflicts in the Middle East and emphasized the challenges of curbing US influence, given the power dynamics within the UN Security Council.