ehran, July 21, IRNA - The UN Security Council on Monday unanimously endorsed the Iran nuclear deal, though the show of support was interrupted shortly afterward by a war of words between the American and Iranian ambassadors, Fox News reported Monday.


Iran's ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo lashed out at the U.S. mere moments after the vote, in retaliation for U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power bringing up Tehran's human rights record.

Power, during the session, had raised concerns about Iran's support for terror proxies and reiterated a U.S. demand that Iran release all unjustly held American prisoners. Iran's ambassador fired back, blaming the U.S. for instability in the region and calling Power's criticism 'ironic.'

'The country that invaded two countries in our region and created favorable grounds for the growth of terrorism and extremism is not well placed to raise such accusations against my country,' Iranian U.N. Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo said, calling past U.S. actions in the region 'feckless' and 'reckless.'

The exchange, which came as Israel's representative continued to assail the deal itself, hung over what was nevertheless the first formal step at the international body toward implementing the deal and rolling back U.N. sanctions.

The vote Monday authorizes a series of measures leading to the end of U.N. sanctions that have hurt Iran's economy. But the measure also provides a mechanism for U.N. sanctions to 'snap back' in place if Iran fails to meet its obligations.

The resolution had been agreed to by the five veto-wielding council members, who along with Germany negotiated the nuclear deal with Iran. It was co-sponsored, and approved, by all 15 members of the Security Council.

The document specifies that seven resolutions related to U.N. sanctions will be terminated when Iran has completed a series of major steps to curb its nuclear program and the International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded that 'all nuclear material in Iran remains in peaceful activities.'

All provisions of the U.N. resolution will terminate in 10 years, including the snap back provision - i.e. the sanctions would somehow be re- imposed if Iran was in non-compliance.

Congress has 60 days to review the deal -- and then vote for or against it, or take no action.

By IRNA