Iran condemns Israeli minister's threat against Ayatollah Khamenei at UN

Iranian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has condemned a public threat made by Israeli War Minister Israel Katz against the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei. In a letter addressed to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Iravani described the threat as "neither isolated nor rhetorical" and part of a "deliberate and systematic policy of State-sponsored terrorism targeting senior Iranian State officials."

Iravani's letter drew the UN's urgent attention to Katz's statement that Ayatollah Khamenei is "marked for death." He emphasized that this threat is part of a broader pattern of Israeli aggression against Iran. The letter was released during a Security Council open debate on advancing political solutions in the Middle East through mediation and dialogue.

In his statement, Iravani outlined several key points. First, he argued that lasting peace in the Middle East requires addressing root causes such as the occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian territories, repeated Israeli aggression, and the prolonged U.S. military presence in the region. He stressed that no diplomatic process can legitimize occupation or aggression.

Second, Iravani noted that the recent U.S.-led war against Iran demonstrated that foreign military presence in the Persian Gulf does not ensure security. Instead, he called for regional dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect and international law, free from external interference.

Third, he accused the United States and Israel of repeatedly violating the comprehensive ceasefire of April 8. Iran, he said, will continue to exercise its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter in response to any aggression. He warned that the aggressors would bear full responsibility for any escalation.

Fourth, Iravani rejected negotiations under threats or pressure, stating that Iran has never and will never submit to coercion. He urged the U.S. president to abandon the language of threats and engage with Iran on the basis of mutual respect and international law.

According to Mehr News Agency, the letter and statement were delivered at the UN on June 10, 2026.