insideIRAN | Iran Wooing Rotating Members of UN Security Council Ahead of Possible Sanctions

Iran Wooing Rotating Members of UN Security Council Ahead of Possible Sanctions

April 22nd, 2010

Shayan Ghajar

On April 12, a United Nations Security Council delegation decided to forego a visit to Uganda due to more pressing business at U.N. headquarters regarding sanctions against Iran. This week, however, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will visit Uganda, currently a rotating member of the Security Council, to discuss Iran’s nuclear program and argue against sanctions, according to PressTV, an Iranian state-owned news agency.

PressTV reports that President Ahmadinejad’s visit to Uganda is part of an international tour by the Iranian leadership to members of the Security Council, an attempt to counter American pressure for a new round of sanctions. In Uganda, both presidents will also discuss enhancing economic ties and utilizing Iranian expertise to develop Uganda’s oil industry, likely an incentive for Uganda to side with Iran in the nuclear standoff.

On April 17, Ugandan Minister of State Henry Okello spoke in support of Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program, in a statement widely publicized on IRNA, Iran’s official news agency. Okello’s statement was made at Iran’s nuclear summit, a response to President Obama’s summit on nuclear security in Washington. The Ugandan official made numerous references to “bullying powers” who seek to increase their nuclear capabilities while disarming smaller states, almost certainly an oblique jibe at the United States. Uganda, it seems, is likely to use its position on the Security Council in opposition to sanctions.

Iranian reactions to U.S. overtures aimed at obtaining China and Russia’s support for sanctions belie uncertainty and anxiety over the P5+1 members’ leanings. However, Iran also has many allies amongst revolving Security Council members. These nations, namely Brazil, Bosnia-Herzogovina, Lebanon, and Turkey, have stated reluctance or opposition regarding sanctions on Iran.

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