US envoy says recent Iran missile test violated UN sanctions

United Nations: Iran's recent ballistic missile test was "a clear violation" of UN sanctions, and the United States will seek action from the Security Council, US Ambassador Samantha Power said today.

 Power said that after reviewing available information, the United States has confirmed that the medium-range ballistic missile launched on Oct. 10 was "inherently capable of delivering a nuclear weapon."

 She said this violated a UN Security Council resolution adopted on June 9, 2010 which imposed a fourth round of sanctions on Iran.

 It was Iran's first missile test since the historic nuclear deal reached July 14 between Iran and world powers. While condemning the ballistic missile test, the Obama administration made clear that it is "entirely separate" from the nuclear deal, which is aimed at preventing Iran from developing atomic weapons.

 The 2010 UN resolution bans Iran from undertaking "any activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using ballistic missile technology."

 Power said the United States is preparing a report to the Security Council committee that monitors sanctions against Iran. She did not specify what action the US would seek.

 "The Security Council prohibition on Iran's ballistic missile activities, as well as the arms embargo, remain in place and we will continue to press the Security Council for an appropriate response to Iran's disregard for its international obligations," she said in a statement.