Iran Violates UN Resolution with New Ballistic Missile Program

Despite the short span of time since Western (including US) economic sanctions on Iran have been lifted, the Islamic Republic has announced it will upgrade its Emad missile. Because it is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the United States charged that the test firing of the Emad in October violates a United Nations Resolution. Accordingly, the US imposed new sanctions on Iran, but it appears to be a futile gesture as Tehran promises to fast-track development of the weapon starting in March. It is also receiving the Russian S-300 batteries that were delayed until the deal with the West could be completed. The American sanctions also appeared weak as they targeted some individuals and companies but avoided any direct confrontation with the government itself despite the numerous assertions by President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry that violations of resolutions by the Iranian government would warrant swift and serious response. It’s also been reported that Iran is negotiating purchase of sophisticated Sukhoi-30 fighter jets from Russia.