October 1, 2024
(View the PDF of this letter here)
Dear UN Security Council Member,
I am writing to you on behalf of American Jewish Committee (AJC) to express our alarm and outrage over the Iranian regime’s aggressive conduct. Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran launched at least 180 ballistic missiles into the State of Israel, the latest in a series of escalating attacks perpetrated by the Iranian regime against the Jewish state. In the wake of today’s aggressions, we call on the Security Council to take the necessary measures to counter Iran’s dangerous behavior, which threatens regional and global peace and security.
The Iranian regime has long been a destabilizing force on the world stage. It has continuously called for the destruction of the U.S. and Israel, supported terrorism, interfered in the internal affairs of other nations, and committed pervasive human rights abuses. The massacre perpetrated by Hamas – an Iranian proxy – on October 7, the ongoing assaults on Israel, U.S. troops, and international maritime security since then by Iranian proxies, and the regime’s unprecedented major attack on Israel last April exemplify the regime’s destructive intentions and highlight the urgent need for a global response.
Most alarming is Iran’s nuclear weapons program. In recent years, Tehran has increased uranium enrichment and other nuclear-related activities in violation of the limits set by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Since April 2021, it has been enriching its uranium stockpiles to 60 percent, just below weapons grade, while simultaneously preventing IAEA inspectors from visiting its nuclear facilities, in violation of its international obligations. According to experts, Iran is now in a position to produce enough material to fuel several atomic bombs.
Iran is not only on the brink of nuclear weapons, but it also has the means to deliver them. As demonstrated today, the Islamic Republic has the most extensive inventory of ballistic missiles in the region, and its work on space launch vehicles would allow it to produce intercontinental ballistic missiles. A nuclear-tipped Iranian missile could soon threaten the Middle East, Europe, and the U.S.
Human rights violations in Iran – including persecution of the Baha'i community and other religious and ethnic minorities, brutal suppression of protests and arbitrary arrest and torture of dissenters, restrictions on women's rights and detention of women's rights defenders, and execution of minors – remain extensive and ongoing.
AJC believes that it is vital for the international community to take a firm and unified stance against Iran’s belligerent actions. Fifteen years ago, the Security Council united to pass stringent sanctions against Iran. Most of those sanctions have now been lifted under the JCPOA. Yet Iran violates its JCPOA commitments and has attacked a UN member state, threatening to destabilize the broader region. It is time for the Security Council to reimpose ballistic missile sanctions and unite to pass global economic sanctions against Iran.
Respectfully,
AJC Chief Executive Officer
Edward and Sandra Meyer Office of the CEO
Member of Congress (2010-22)
