20.02.2026 06:20
Iran stated in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that it would respond decisively to a possible attack by the US under the right to self-defense. The Tehran administration pointed out that the military buildup by the US shows that Trump's statements are not just rhetoric, stating, "Such an attack, which could have catastrophic consequences for the region, poses a serious threat to international peace and security."
A notable move came from Iran in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of attack. Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Amir Said Iravani, sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasizing that the U.S. threats of using force against Iran are contrary to international law.
In his letter, Iravani recalled Trump's statements regarding the potential use of the Diego Garcia base for a military attack on Iran, warning that "These threats constitute a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law, and pose a risk of dragging the region into a new cycle of crisis and instability."
"THE CONSEQUENCES WOULD BE CATASTROPHIC"
Pointing out that the sensitive situation in the region and the military buildup by the U.S. indicate that Trump's statements are not merely rhetoric, Iravani stated, "These statements indicate a real risk of military attack. Such an attack, the consequences of which could be catastrophic for the region, poses a serious threat to international peace and security."
IRAN REITERATED ITS COMMITMENT TO DIPLOMATIC SOLUTIONS
Emphasizing Iran's full commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN and to diplomatic solutions, Iravani highlighted that his country has participated constructively, seriously, and in good faith in nuclear talks with the U.S. government to address uncertainties regarding its peaceful nuclear program. Reminding that they expect a serious approach based on equality from the U.S., Iravani said, "Iran believes that a lasting and reasonable solution is entirely possible if the U.S. approaches these talks with the same seriousness and sincerity and respects the principles of the UN and the norms of international law."
"NORMALIZATION OF AGGRESSION MUST NOT BE ALLOWED"
Calling on the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibility to maintain international peace and security and to take action against the U.S. threats of unlawful use of force, Iravani stated, "The U.S. must comply with its obligations, especially Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, and refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions or lead to military conflict. Otherwise, the consequences will be severe and far-reaching for regional and international peace and security." He emphasized that Guterres and the UN Security Council must act without delay, stating, "The normalization, legitimization, or acceptance of the threat of force and acts of aggression must not be allowed. Otherwise, another sovereign state will similarly become a target."
"THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNCONTROLLABLE CONSEQUENCES LIES WITH THE U.S."
Reiterating that Iran is not seeking tension or war but is determined to defend itself, Iravani stated, "Our country will respond decisively and proportionately by exercising its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter if it is subjected to military attack. In such a case, all bases, facilities, and assets in the region belonging to enemy forces will be legitimate targets under Iran's defense. The entire responsibility for any unforeseen and uncontrollable consequences lies directly with the U.S." Iravani requested that the letter he sent be communicated to UN member states as an official document.