Iran's UN envoy urges Security Council action over NATO support for US operations

Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Gholamhossein Darzi, has sent a letter to the UN Security Council raising concerns over NATO's role in supporting US military operations against Iran, according to a report by Mehr News. The letter, dated Saturday local time, cites an address by NATO's chief on September 23 in which the official said roughly 5,000 aircraft had flown from European bases since February 28 in support of what was described as "Operation Epic Fury." The NATO official stated that the figure covered only the period through mid-April and that the actual number was likely much higher.

Darzi said the remarks indicate a significant role played by European territory and infrastructure in supporting US military action against Iran. He added that this could raise questions of state responsibility as well as individual criminal responsibility for European officials involved in planning, preparing, facilitating or carrying out acts of aggression and war crimes. The ambassador said the Security Council, given its responsibility for international peace and security, should examine the matter urgently.

The letter reiterated Iran's position that US and Israeli military actions against it violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity and breach Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, including through what it described as an illegal blockade. It said these actions have included strikes on civilians and civilian targets, resulting in the deaths of more than 3,600 people, including at least 254 children and 251 women, with many more wounded.

Darzi said Iran believes certain European countries facilitated the attacks by providing territory, airspace, military facilities and other logistical and operational capacities, and that such conduct could breach obligations under the UN Charter. He said the matter may also fall under the concept of participation or assistance in an act of aggression as defined in UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (XXIX).

According to Mehr News, the letter forms part of Iran's ongoing diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to press for international scrutiny of the military campaign and the role of allied states in supporting it.