Teaching Comparative Government and Politics

Wednesday, February 01, 2017

Domestic politics become international

One interpretation of Iran's actions beyond its borders (in Syria, for example) and within its borders (this missile test) is that they are elements of the domestic political run up to this year's elections. Hardliners are flexing their muscles (military) to demonstrate their positions and power.

Iran: Missile tests not in violation of nuclear deal

Iran's missile tests do not involve rockets with nuclear warheads and are not part of a historic deal signed two years ago by world powers, according to the country's foreign minister…

Addressing reporters alongside his visiting French counterpart, Jean-Marc Ayrault, Zarif said: "The missile issue is not part of the nuclear deal."

Reiterating Iran's traditional stance, Zarif said his country's missiles are "not designed for the capability of carrying a nuclear warhead"…

The reported test drew wide condemnation as many feared it could be in violation of a UN resolution adopted in 2015 prohibiting ballistic missile tests designed to deliver a nuclear warhead.

The resolution was part of the nuclear deal between Iran and the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany…

Speaking from Tehran, France's foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault voiced "concern" over the reported test…

He said the continued tests are "contrary to the spirit" of the Security Council resolution…

Meanwhile, Russia said the test by Iran does not contravene the UN resolution.

"Such actions, if they took place, do not breach the resolution," Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told Interfax news agency, saying demands for UN talks were aimed at "heating up the situation".