Iran missile test violated UN ban, sanctions report finds

The report noted Iranian rocket launches in 2012 and 2013 also violated the UN ban

A picture taken on 20 August, 2010 shows the test firing at an undisclosed location in Iran of a surface-to-surface Qiam missile, entirely designed and built domestically and powered by liquid fuel, a day before the Islamic republic was due to launch its Russian-built first nuclear power plant (VAHID REZA ALAEI/AFP/Getty Images)

The medium-range Emad rocket Iran tested on 10 October was a ballistic missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead, violating a UN Security Council resolution, a team of sanctions monitors said in a new report.

Their conclusion will likely lead to calls for expanding sanctions against Tehran in London, Paris and Washington.

"On the basis of its analysis and findings the Panel concludes that Emad launch is a violation by Iran of paragraph 9 of Security Council resolution 1929," the report said.

All ballistic missile tests by Iran are banned under a 2010 security council resolution, which remains valid until a nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and the six world powers is implemented.

The report defines ballistic missiles as those capable of delivering at least a 500kg payload within a range of at least 300km.

"The Panel assesses that the launch of the Emad has a range of not less than 1,000 km with a payload of at least 1,000 kg and that Emad was also a launch 'using ballistic missile technology'," the report said.

It noted Iranian rocket launches in 2012 and 2013 also violated the UN ban, but did not mention another reported missile test Iran carried out last month.

The report will likely put President Barack Obama's administration in a difficult position, since Iran declared any new sanctions would jeopardise a nuclear deal between Tehran and the six world powers.

Diplomats say it is possible for the UN sanctiosn committee to blacklist additional Iranian individuals or entities.

However, Russia and China, whcih dislike sanctions on Iran's missile program, may block such moves.

Additional reporting by Reuters