UN must renew its arms embargo against Iran, Pompeo says in Israel

The United Nations Security Council must renew its arms embargo against Iran when it expires next year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said while in Israel, as he warned of a new Middle East arms race.

“Because of the flawed Iran deal, the UN arms embargo on Iran will expire in one year. Countries like Russia and China will be able to sell Iran sophisticated weapons,” Pompeo tweeted prior to meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Friday. “The Iranian regime will be free to sell weapons to anyone. This will trigger a new arms race in the Middle East,” he continued.

“If you’re worried about Iran’s behavior now, imagine what Iran will do with advanced missiles, drones, tanks, and jets. The Security Council must renew the arms embargo,” he added.

The Pompeo Netanyahu meeting lasted for two hours, after which the two men issued a few statements to the press. “It is always a joy to be with you Mr. Prime Minister. It is great to be back here in Israel. The remarkable close relationship between our two countries is as strong as it has ever been. President Trump of course said to send his regard to your as well,” Pompeo said.

“We had a chance to talk this morning about all the challenges that the world faces and that Israel and the US face head on together as an important beacon of hope and democracy here in the Middle East,” he said.

“The American people value this relationship. We talked about all the efforts we have made to push back against the threat not only to Israel but to the region and the world from the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Pompeo said.

“We shared our ideas about how we can ensure Middle East stability together and how we would further our efforts to jointly combat all the challenges that the world confronts here in the Middle East,” the Secretary of State explained.

“We appreciate all that you and your country do to assist America in keeping its people safe as well,” Pompeo said

Netanyahu echoed his words. “Mike, we have had important discussions about strengthening our alliance, the region, the various challenges that we face together. I want to thank you and the President for your consistent support for Israel,” Netanyahu said.

“The Middle East is a sea of troubles and turbulence, but if there is one thing that stand out it is the ability and the stability and strength of the American-Israeli alliance. We talked about making it even stronger. I want to thank you for your consistent support,” Netanyahu said.

He then Pompeo and US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman the Sukkah outside his home that was adorned with pictures of Israel’s ancient Temple.

“You’re visiting here on the holiday of Sukkot, we sit in a sukkah and we always remember what it was like when we didn’t have a permanent home,” Netanyahu said.

Other participants in the meeting between Netanyahu and Pompeo were: US envoy to the Middle East Jim Jeffrey, Friedman, Mossad Director Yossi Cohen, National Security Council Director Meir Ben-Shabbat and the Prime Minister’s Military Secretary, Brig.-Gen. Avi Bluth.