Iran warns of 'decisive response' to any military aggression at UNSC

NEW YORK:

Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations, Gholamhossein Darzi, has issued a stern warning that any military or political aggression against Tehran will be met with a full and decisive response, while condemning international sanctions as a violation of international law.

Speaking at the UN Security Council, Darzi criticised the United States for convening a meeting on Iran's internal situation, calling it shameful and an example of political hypocrisy.

Darzi accused Western human rights organisations of advancing an Israeli agenda and claimed that years of sanctions have directly harmed ordinary Iranian civilians rather than the government.

Read: 'Help is on its way': Trump encourages Iran protests

The Iranian envoy alleged that protesters in Iran had faced "ISIS-style attacks" and that Iranian security forces had sacrificed their lives protecting citizens. He accused Washington of inciting demonstrators to rebellion, calling it interference in Iran's sovereignty.

Any form of aggression against Iran would be a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, the Iranian envoy told the council, adding that no justification can be presented for any military operation against Iran.

He described the situation as a critical test not only for Iran but for the UN’s credibility and that of the international system as a whole.

While emphasising that Tehran respects the rights of peaceful protesters, Darzi warned that "any external aggression or conspiracy will be met with a forceful response."

Russia and China also criticised the US and opposed the use of force in the matter concerning Iran. Addressing the council, the Russian envoy described the meeting as a "circus," saying it should have been convened for global peace rather than interference in Iran's internal affairs. He said external powers are deliberately fuelling the current situation in Iran.

The Russian envoy said Iran has made it clear that it does not seek tension or confrontation; however, in the event of any aggression, a forceful response will be given. He added that the protection of citizens and property is the top priority for the Iranian government, while US statements encouraging the Iranian people to seize institutions are against the sovereignty of any country.

According to the Russian envoy, a large number of people have taken to the streets in support of Iran's Supreme Leader and government, and any US action could push the entire region into further crisis.

Russia also offered cooperation for a peaceful resolution of the issues.

Read More: US imposes sanctions on Iran over crackdown

Meanwhile, the Chinese envoy said that the US must immediately abandon attempts to use force against Iran. He said China opposes pushing the world towards the "law of the jungle" and rejects the use of force against the integrity of any country.

The Chinese envoy stressed that Iran is a sovereign country and the Iranian people have the right to make their own decisions. He said the international community should help resolve the challenges facing Iran and that all actions must be in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.

Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which he expressed confidence that the Iranian government and people will remain united and overcome the current difficulties.

The criticisms come amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Western powers over Tehran's nuclear programme, regional activities, and its handling of domestic dissent.

Protests began on December 28 in commercial hubs in Tehran, when shopkeepers, merchants, and small business owners staged strikes and demonstrations to protest soaring inflation, the collapsing rial, and deteriorating economic conditions.

The protests have since grown into nationwide anti-government expressions of discontent involving workers, students, and others across multiple cities.

US President Donald Trump sharply escalated pressure on Iran, urging protesters late on Monday to continue demonstrating, saying "help is on its way", and threatening sweeping trade penalties on countries doing business with Tehran and keeping military action firmly on the table.

Trump cancelled the meetings, even though he said Iranian officials had approached him for talks.

Read Also: Rising prices, falling currency: Iran’s economy faces rocky road

There are no official casualty figures from the protests. The US-based rights group, Human Rights Activists News Agency, says that the death toll has reached 2,615, including both security forces and protesters, with 2,054 injured, and 18,470 arrested.

Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran, warning the measure would apply to "any business" with the US and calling the order "final and conclusive", a move targeting key Iranian partners including China, Turkey, Iraq and others.

Meanwhile, Iran’s economy is going through one of its most difficult periods in years, fueled by sanctions, high inflation, and a significant drop in the value of the national currency, the rial.