The chairman of the United Nations Security Council’s Iran sanctions committee has urged UN member states to continue enforcing sanctions imposed on the Islamic republic over its nuclear program.

The chairman, Australia’s UN Ambassador Gary Quinlan, told the Security Council that the interim nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers is a welcome development but that countries must continue to fulfill their legal UN obligations.

The November 24 deal with world powers offers Iran partial relief from Western sanctions in exchange for curbs on some Iranian nuclear work.

Iran, however, has not received relief from four rounds of Security Council sanctions.

In a related development, the United States on December 12 announced moves to freeze the U.S. assets of more than 10 entities and individuals accused of evading sanctions on Iran.

Expert talks between Iran and the P5+1 group of nations — Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States, plus Germany — reportedly adjourned in Vienna late on December 12 in order to allow for consultations in Tehran.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
RFE/RL