Iran Vows to Defend Sovereignty Against US Aggression at UN

Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gholamhossein Darzi, addressed a UN Security Council meeting on "Conflict Prevention and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes" in New York on Thursday, local time. He highlighted what he described as the illegal and unprovoked war of aggression launched by the United States and the Israeli regime over the past year, stating that Iran exercised its inherent right to self-defense guaranteed under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Darzi emphasized that the most effective way to prevent conflicts is through full compliance with international law, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, refraining from the threat or use of force, and peacefully resolving disputes based on equality and mutual respect. He noted that Iran has consistently upheld these principles and pursued dialogue and diplomacy.

The envoy pointed out that despite profound mistrust resulting from the United States' violations of its obligations under the JCPOA and Security Council resolution 2231, Iran engaged in serious negotiations in 2025 in good faith to reach a durable agreement. However, he alleged that on two occasions, while diplomatic efforts were underway, the United States resorted to unlawful use of force in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. He cited acts of aggression by the US and the Israeli regime in June 2025 and since February 2026, including targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Darzi mentioned the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding of 17 June, mediated by Pakistan, which established a framework for de-escalation, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful settlement of disputes. He claimed that Iran has acted in good faith and implemented its commitments, while the United States has systematically breached its obligations, including continuing military attacks, reimposing a maritime blockade, and attempting to establish a parallel maritime regime in the Strait of Hormuz.

He expressed concern over recent threats by the US President to destroy Iran's vital infrastructure, warning that such reckless statements and unlawful acts, if unchecked, would embolden further aggression and undermine international peace and security. Darzi called on the Security Council to take immediate measures to compel the US to cease its aggression and ensure accountability for violations of international law.

Concluding, he reiterated that all Iran's measures are defensive and consistent with international law, and that Iran will continue to exercise its right of self-defense under Article 51 to protect its people and safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to Mehr News, the full text of the statement was provided by the Iranian mission to the UN.