Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, issued a stern warning on Sunday during an emergency UN Security Council session, declaring that Iran reserves the right to retaliate against recent US and Israeli airstrikes. He also accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging diplomatic efforts in the region.
Speaking under the agenda item “Threats to International Peace and Security,” Iravani condemned the US-led Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 21, as well as Israeli strikes conducted earlier on June 13.
“Even though Iran reserves its full and legitimate right under international law to defend itself against this blatant US aggression and its Israeli proxy, the timing, nature, and scale of Iran’s proportionate response will be decided by its armed forces,” Iravani stated.
He accused the US, UK, France, and Israel of bearing direct responsibility for civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure in Iran.
“These acts are illegal and politically motivated… The US, UK, and France—three permanent members of this council—along with the Israeli regime, will bear full responsibility for the deaths of innocent civilians, especially women and children,” he said.
The ambassador also lashed out at Israel for sabotaging peace talks.
“Israel decided to destroy diplomacy. Their so-called offer of negotiations was nothing more than a deceitful tactic to mislead the international community,” he asserted.
Iravani emphasized that Iran had never abandoned diplomatic efforts, despite claims from the West.
“As our foreign minister has said, how can Iran return to something it never left? While we were engaging with European counterparts, the US chose to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities. What conclusion can be drawn from this?”
Calling for decisive action, Iravani warned the Security Council of long-term damage to its credibility if it failed to respond.
“If this council does not act at this decisive moment, it will forever lose its credibility and relevance,” he cautioned.
The emergency session was convened in the wake of rising tensions after the US launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, escalating fears of broader regional conflict.
