Iran to UN: ‘We Exercised Our Right to Self-Defense’ – Accuses US of Complicity

In a scathing attack at both Israel and the United States, Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir-Said Iravani, condemned what he described as an ongoing ‘terrorist and criminal assault by the Israeli regime.’ He warned that these strikes constitute a blatant act of aggression against Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Iranian envoy accused Israel of launching a coordinated campaign of unlawful and indiscriminate violence against civilians and critical infrastructure. ‘Israel has committed a blatant act of aggression against Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,’ Iravani emphasized. According to him, these actions represent serious violations of the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. The attacks, he said, ‘cross all red lines,’ especially since Israel ‘deliberately targeted a peaceful nuclear facility operating under full IAEA safeguards.’ The strike on the nuclear installation was characterized as a ‘dangerous and illegal act,’ with potential consequences including the release of radioactive materials. ‘Had Iran not immediately contained the situation, the consequences could have been catastrophic,’ Iravani stated. Rejecting Israel’s claim of ‘surgical strikes,’ Iravani noted that Israel has unleashed a campaign of unlawful and indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran. At least 1,480 Iranians have been killed or injured, including 224 civilians—among them women and children. Significant damage has been reported to civilian and economic infrastructure, including water tanks, fuel depots, petrochemical installations, hospitals, and even the offices of the state news agency during a live broadcast. ‘This heinous attack constitutes a clear war crime and direct assault on press freedom,’ Iravani declared. In response to this barbaric assault, Iran exercised its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. ‘Our response was defensive, targeted, and proportionate,’ Iravani emphasized. While Iran does not seek war or escalation, it will not hesitate to defend its people, land, and sovereignty. Iravani openly accused the United States of complicity, stating that American forces supported Israeli aggression. Without U.S. weapons, intelligence, and political backing, the attack would not have been possible. Furthermore, he argued that Israel aims to sabotage nuclear negotiations scheduled to resume in Moscow. ‘The U.S., responding in bad faith, undermines trust and diplomacy,’ Iravani said. He warned other countries supporting Israeli aggression that they share legal responsibility for the consequences. Iran has requested an urgent meeting of the Security Council, calling for immediate action to condemn aggression, stop the attacker, and uphold the UN Charter and international law. The silence of the Security Council undermines its credibility and the very foundations of the UN, Iravani criticized. Concluding, Iravani reiterated that Iran acts within the framework of international law and defends itself legally and proportionally. However, it is the primary duty of the Security Council to maintain international peace and security, and it must act now to prevent further crimes against the Iranian people.