US government envoy to fight Iran, Brian Hawk, met with Foreign Minister Ashkenazi • Speaking at the Iran embargo on Iran's arms expiry and the debate on extending it

• Brian Hawk

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  AFP

Following the UN Security Council meeting to discuss Resolution 2331 as part of the Powers Agreement with Iran, Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi met Tuesday with Brian Hawk, US administration envoy to fight Iran. He said that the two were engaged in the possible course of action against the Ayatollah regime, and that Israeli and US ministers are "in the process of making significant decisions regarding Iran."

Ashkenazi added that "Iran continues to contribute to sponsorships that cause instability. The United States and Israel are eyeing the necessary steps. We are in the same position regarding the embargo. Iran cannot obtain permission to buy and sell weapons."

"We are facing significant regional opportunities. We must act very responsibly to safeguard the political and security interests of the State of Israel while maintaining constant dialogue with our friend the United States and neighboring countries and without prejudice to existing security and peace agreements."

Hawk emphasized: "We see eye to eye on the need to extend arms embargo to Iran. The embargo is 13 years old, and in just four months, Iran will be able to purchase warships and ammunition from submarines. It can export and purchase weapons. The last thing the Middle East needs is more Iranian weapons, and the Gulf states support the extension of the embargo.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a farewell ceremony for Foreign Ministry Director General Yuval Rotem: "We have done many actions together. You are the one who said you should take groups of countries and work with them. You played a key part in that. Ability to expand political activity. You are greatly appreciated. I express my personal and government appreciation. "

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During his remarks at the ceremony, Netanyahu also addressed the issue of sovereignty, saying that there was a discussion on the issue with US negotiator Avi Berkowitz and Ambassador David Friedman. "This is an issue that we are working on and we will continue to work on," the Prime Minister clarified. We will continue to engage in the necessary economic actions, which I deal with several times a day, in parallel with policy and security missions. "

"Iran continues to violate Resolution 2331"

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council will convene today to discuss Resolution 2331, which is derived from the nuclear agreement between the powers and Iran.

At the end of five years the agreement should expire the restriction prohibiting the purchase or purchase of Iran's weapons. The removal of the embargo should happen automatically, and only a new Security Council resolution will prevent it.

The United States is calling on council members to renew the embargo, because Iran has violated a nuclear agreement and provided arms to its affiliated countries and organizations. But European powers are still furious at President Donald Trump's retirement from the agreement, claiming Washington has no right to express a position.

At the same time, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo rejects Europeans' position and puts heavy pressure on Security Council members to renew the embargo.

"Iran continues to systematically violate Resolution 2331 as it transmits illegal weapons to Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and, more recently, Libya," Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon told "Israel Today." "Iranian weapons freely transferred across the Middle East and used by militias Armed and terrorist organizations - poses a strategic threat not only to Israel, but to the entire region. Through Iran's Quds Force, Iran has not stopped transferring illegal weapons to Hezbollah and is providing advanced capabilities, technologies and knowledge to develop upgraded and accurate missiles in favor of anti-Israel operations. "