ICJ confirms Iran's lawsuit against US over sanctions

TEHRAN, Jul. 18 (MNA) – Iran has filed a complaint with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hold Washington accountable for its decision to re-impose sanctions after pulling out from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran on July 16 filed a lawsuit against the US before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with regard to a dispute concerning violations of the Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights between Iran and the US, which was signed in Tehran on 15 August 1955 and entered into force on 16 June 1957 (“the 1955 Treaty”). Iran stresses that “through the ‘8 May sanctions’ and further sanctions that have been announced, the United States “has violated and continues to violate multiple provisions” of the 1955 Treaty. The lawsuit filed by Iran calls on US to terminate the 8 May sanctions, including the extraterritorial sanctions, and to refrain from imposing or threatening announced further sanctions and measures. Iran also calls to be fully compensated by the US for the violation of its international legal obligations. “USA shall immediately allow the full implementation of transactions already licensed, generally or specifically, particularly for the sale or leasing of passenger aircraft, aircraft spare parts and equipment,” reads the lawsuit. Iran has also called on US to “cease any and all statements or actions that would dissuade US and non-US persons and entities from engaging or continuing to engage economically with Iran and Iranian nationals or companies.” Iran also warned that there is “a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice” will be caused to its rights which form the subject of the dispute before the Court gives its final decision. “The USA shall refrain from taking any other measure that might prejudice the rights of Iran and Iranian nationals and companies under the [1955 Treaty] with respect to any decision this Court might render on the merits,” reads the lawsuit. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif in a tweet on Monday called on the ICJ to “hold US accountable for its unlawful re-imposition of unilateral sanctions”, adding that “Iran is committed to the rule of law in the face of US contempt for diplomacy & legal obligations.” “It's imperative to counter [US] habit of violating int'l law,” Zarif stressed.