TEHRAN – The chief of the Iranian parliamentary delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has denounced Western sanctions preventing Iran from accessing technologies and equipment for mine clearance.

During an IPU meeting on Promoting Respect for International Humanitarian Law, Manouchehr Mottaki expressed that each year, landmines remaining from conflicts result in numerous casualties across various regions. 

Mottaki stated that these explosive remnants pose significant challenges to the security and sustainable development of affected nations, necessitating a comprehensive strategy to mitigate risks, safeguard human lives, and foster safe environments for socio-economic activities. 

“This strategy should prioritize mine clearance as a fundamental initiative and encompass efforts such as capacity building, training, and awareness-raising,” Mottaki pointed out.

The Iranian official emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently called upon all nations in similar circumstances to extend the essential financial, technical, and humanitarian support for mine clearance efforts and the social and economic rehabilitation of affected individuals.

Mottaki also pointed out that Iran is adversely affected by the illegal unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States, which have obstructed access to vital equipment and technologies and impeded the receipt of international aid. 

The former Iranian foreign minister underscored, “Despite these challenges, Iran has successfully carried out extensive mine clearance operations by leveraging its committed human resources and employing domestically manufactured equipment and innovative mine clearance techniques, thereby acquiring significant expertise.”

Iran has been significantly affected by landmines as a result of the 1980-1988 imposed war, which has left large areas of land contaminated with unexploded ordnance. This poses an ongoing threat to the safety and livelihoods of communities in affected regions.

In recent years the sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States, the European Union, and other countries have impacted Iran's ability to acquire certain technologies, including those related to mine clearance.