Singapore Convention on Mediation: Should Iran Follow the Position of Qatar?

Abstract

Following the recent accession of Qatar, the United Nation Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (Singapore Convention on Mediation) will come into force on 12 September 2020. As a Signatory State, Iran is assessing whether to ratify the Singapore Convention. This article illustrates and discusses the challenges and opportunities that Iran and Qatar may face in light of the Singapore Convention. The main focus of this article is on problems facing Iran in relation to the possible ratification of the Singapore Convention. Finally, it determines whether Iran would benefit from the possible implementation. It concludes that, while Qatar may benefit from joining the Singapore Convention, the possible ratification of the Convention in Iran will lead to more challenges than opportunities. For the purpose of developing international commercial mediation in Iran, the UNCITRAL Model Law on Mediation will be an appropriate alternative.