NEW YORK (Dispatches) -- Iran says the decision by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom to lift and suspend unilateral sanctions on Syria is a “long overdue” but “positive” step.
“We call for the full and unconditional lifting of all unilateral sanctions. These illegal measures violate the UN Charter and international law,” Iran’s Ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani said before the UN Security Council session on Syria. 
He emphasized that any easing of sanctions must lead to real and immediate changes in the lives of more than 16 million Syrians who are currently in need of urgent help.
“It must also support the return of refugees and help rebuild Syria’s economy and infrastructure, paving the way for lasting peace and stability,” Iravani said.
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would lift the entirety of Washington’s sanctions against Syria after the new regime in the Arab country reportedly proposed making “peace” with the Israeli regime.
“Now it is their time to shine. We are taking them (the sanctions) all off. Good luck Syria. Show us something very special,” he said.
The EU has also agreed to lift economic sanctions on Syria in an effort to help the war-torn country recover.
Last month, the UK also announced the partial suspension of sanctions on Syria.
Iravani reiterated Syria’s right and responsibility to maintain peace and security throughout its territory, noting that the country suffers “fragile” security given the ongoing foreign military presence and illegal occupation, especially in the northeast and south.
“The continued occupation of the Syrian Golan by Israel clearly violates international law and Security Council resolution 497 (1981),” he added.
Since Bashar Assad’s government collapsed in December, Syria has been hit by hundreds of Israeli airstrikes, mainly targeting military infrastructure that belonged to the former Syrian army.
“These acts threaten the region’s peace and are made possible by US support,” Iravani said.
The diplomat affirmed Iran’s firm stance on the need for respecting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and withdrawing all illegal foreign forces “immediately and unconditionally.”
“It is evident that only the Israeli occupying regime stands to benefit from the fragmentation and instability in Syria,” Iravani added.