The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said that the UN embargo on conventional weapons sales to Iran, which expires in October 2020, can’t be extended despite US efforts.

Iran PressEurope: Sergei Ryabkov told RIA Novosti on Thursday that the issue of sending weapons and ammunition to the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as arms exports from Iran, had been resolved during the approval of the Security Council Resolution 2231.

"The US would be better off ensuring the full and comprehensive implementation of the provisions of this resolution, and return to full compliance with the JCPOA," the Deputy Foreign Minister added.

"All countries must comply with Resolution 2231 without any violations or deviations. The United States not only prevents other countries from implementation of this resolution but also threatens them with sanctions and various restrictive measures."

He added: "This behavior of the United States is another example of the policy of imposing pressure. In recent years, US foreign policy instruments have been limited to sanctions, and there has been no readiness to negotiate and resolve issues behind the negotiating table."

UN Resolution 2231 adopted back in 2015 alongside the Iran nuclear deal, prohibited the sale of conventional weapons to the Islamic Republic until 18 October 2020 and separately the sale of missiles until 2023. However, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated yesterday that Washington is trying to do anything in its power to extend the ban beyond October 2020.

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