12.03.2026 01:30
Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, addressed the world at the United Nations Security Council. Rejecting claims that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed, Iravani referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "guilty," stating that their responses are measured and legal.
In the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a draft resolution regarding Russia's "tragic loss of life" in the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East was voted on.
REJECTED AS 9 MEMBERS ABSTAINED
While 4 of the council members supported Russia's proposal, 2 members voted against it, and 9 members preferred to abstain. The draft, which called on all parties in the region to "immediately cease military activities and avoid any steps that could lead to further tensions in the Middle East and beyond," did not receive enough votes.
RUSSIA REACTED TO THE REJECTION OF THE DRAFT
Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, criticized the outcome in the context of how committed UNSC members are to "law, the UN Charter, and peace." Nebenzia stated, "This (result) clearly shows once again that the loud declarations of these countries regarding their commitment to international law, the UN Charter, and peace are nothing more than empty rhetoric."
The Russian ambassador claimed that these states determined their positions "entirely based on short-term political interests, obstructing solidarity, and fear of falling out with their old friends." Nebenzia said, "Russia will continue to make every effort to ensure that the conflict in the Middle East ends as soon as possible and that all disputes are resolved peacefully," expressing that they expect a similar approach from member states that think reasonably and constructively.
THE US ALLEGED RUSSIA IS TRYING TO PROTECT IRAN
After Nebenzia, the US Permanent Representative to the UN, Mike Waltz, stated that Russia insisted on the draft resolution despite knowing it would not have enough votes. Waltz said, "Russia is once again acting to protect its partner Iran here in the Security Council." He noted that the US would continue to work to "hold the Iranian regime accountable and expose its actions." Waltz expressed that Russia's attempts to prevent the UNSC from acting in accordance with its fundamental principles would not deter the US.
IRAN: THE CLAIM THAT WE CLOSED THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS NOT TRUE
Speaking after the representatives of the 5 permanent member countries of the UNSC, Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Emir Said Iravani, stated that more than 1,348 civilians have lost their lives in the ongoing attacks by the US and Israel against Iran, and that 9,669 civilian settlements have been destroyed. Iravani said, "Among these civilian settlements were 7,943 residences, 1,617 commercial and service centers, 32 health and pharmaceutical facilities, 65 schools and educational institutions, 13 Red Cross buildings, and various energy supply facilities."
Stating that these numbers will continue to rise as the attacks persist, Iravani criticized the UNSC's silence regarding developments in the region. He said, "Despite its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security under the UN Charter, it turns a blind eye to these serious violations. Instead, some council members are trying to reverse the roles and positions of victims and aggressors. They aim to reward the aggressors and punish the victims."
Pointing out that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is "guilty," Iravani commented on the acceptance of the decision to immediately stop attacks on Gulf countries, saying, "Our response is measured and legal." Iravani also referred to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed to crossings since the attacks began on February 28 by the US and Israel. The Iranian representative stated, "The claim that we have closed the Strait of Hormuz is not true."