The Iran Project -� As of October 18, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced that the Islamic Republic will no longer be subject to any restrictions on its ballistic missile-related activities and transfers imposed by the United Nations Security Council.

This termination comes into effect eight years after the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The Ministry stated that all restrictions on Iran's ballistic missile-related activities, as well as associated services and technology, have unconditionally ended.

According to the Ministry's statement, this termination does not require any resolution or action from the UNSC, as it occurred automatically in accordance with the provisions of UNSC Resolution 2231.

The statement emphasized that cooperation in all military and defense areas will now be carried out without any restrictions, based on the needs and discretion of Iran within the framework of bilateral contracts with other countries.

The statement further highlighted that Iran expects all member states to modify and revise any relevant restrictions or sanctions according to their domestic legal systems.

It also asserted that measures aimed at imposing sanctions or restrictions on Iran's defensive engagements and cooperation would contradict the termination of UNSCR 2231 restrictions, and Tehran reserves the right to take appropriate measures to protect its national interests.

The statement reiterated that Iran's defense doctrine is based on domestic capabilities and rooted in resistance and the power of the Iranian nation.

It emphasized that unconventional arms and weapons of mass destruction have no place in Iran's defense doctrine.

Iran will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities to protect its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and counter-terrorism in the region.

The statement stressed that Iran's military capabilities, including ballistic missiles, are solely for self-defense purposes.

It also maintained that all sanctions and restrictive measures imposed on Iran, including those related to its nuclear program, have been baseless, unjust, and unlawful.

In response to the European signatories' decision not to terminate their anti-Iran sanctions, including ballistic missile bans, the statement argued that Iran has been in non-compliance with the JCPOA since 2019.

It noted that Iran halted some of its JCPOA commitments in 2019 after the US withdrew from the deal and the EU failed to offer compensation for the US withdrawal.