Iran has formally accused the United States of conducting an unlawful war of aggression, issuing a stern warning that any renewed military offensive by either American or Israeli forces will trigger an immediate and decisive response from Tehran. Gholamhossein Darzi, Iran's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, delivered these remarks during a Security Council meeting on the Middle East held on Friday.
During his address, Darzi criticized Western nations for what he described as a distortion of facts and an intentional disregard for the root causes of regional instability. He specifically challenged the narrative presented by some Security Council members, accusing them of portraying aggressors as victims. Darzi labeled the positions taken by these Western representatives as a reflection of a familiar pattern characterized by double standards and blatant hypocrisy.
In response to comments made by the US representative, Darzi asserted that Washington lacks the legal, political, or moral authority to lecture or accuse Iran. He stated, "The United States is the aggressor, not the victim," further accusing the US of launching an unwarranted war that violates both the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. According to Darzi, the US has violated Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, engaged in the bombing of civilian infrastructure, threatened the Iranian population with annihilation, and imposed a military and maritime blockade.
The Iranian diplomat maintained that no Security Council resolution could strip a member state of its inherent right to self-defense against armed attack. While rejecting allegations that Tehran is unwilling to engage in diplomacy, Darzi emphasized, "Iran has never closed the door to diplomacy." However, he offered a definitive warning regarding future military aggression: "Let us be clear: any renewed war of aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime will be met with an immediate and decisive response, without hesitation, directed against the source of aggression wherever it may be."
Conversely, the US envoy to the UN, Jennifer Locetta, used the session to accuse Iran of threatening international maritime security through attacks on commercial shipping and sustained support for various armed groups. Locetta urged the Security Council to hold Tehran accountable for its "aggressive behavior," claiming that Iran continues to defy council decisions and deliberately undermine freedom of navigation. She also highlighted the actions of Yemen’s Houthi militia, noting their escalation of attacks against Saudi Arabia, including strikes on airports, energy infrastructure, and commercial vessels. Locetta concluded by calling on Security Council members to support regional stability and protect commercial shipping against Iranian-supported efforts.
