Iran, disgraced and censured, is nonetheless seeking to obtain a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council to represent Asia for the 2010-2012 term, when Indonesia completes its rotation.
The Islamic Republic, thrice sanctioned by the very body on which it hopes to secure a seat, brazenly applied nonetheless for the privilege, despite facing three pending resolutions against it. At least two are calling for more sanctions in response to its ongoing defiance of demands by the body on which it wishes to serve, that it halt its nuclear development program.
According to a report by Haaretz, however, it is likely that Japan, "not only a central and respected UN member but also [which contributes] the largest sum after the United States to the UN budget" will beat Iran for the Asia seat.