Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir Saeed Iravani (file photo)
United Nations, February 3 (RHC)-- Iran’s ambassador to the UN has underscored Israel’s liability for a foiled “terrorist” drone attack on a military workshop in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, saying the Islamic Republic reserves the right to firmly respond to any threats or wrongful actions by the Tel Aviv regime.
Amir Saied Iravani made the remarks in a Wednesday letter to the president of the Security Council and UN secretary general, days after Iran’s air defense system successfully intercepted and brought down two of the three Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs) used by the Israeli regime in its aggression against the complex, effectively thwarting the attack.
Tehran's UN representative said that based on early investigations, the Israeli regime was responsible for the attempted act of aggression in Isfahan. “The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its legitimate and inherent right, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, to defend its national security and respond resolutely to any threats or wrongful actions by the Israeli regime, wherever and whenever deemed necessary,” the envoy added.
He emphasized that Israel’s threats to use force against Iran’s critical infrastructure, including its peaceful nuclear facilities, are a violation of international law and the UN Charter, saying the regime’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has admitted to Tel Aviv’s involvement in acts of sabotage and terrorism in Iran. Iravani added that the attack in Isfahan was “not the first instance where the Israeli regime has made threats to use force or carried out criminal and terrorist acts within Iranian territory.”
Pointing to Israel’s frequent threats and numerous acts of terrorism and sabotage against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, officials, scientists, and civilians in recent years, he said the regime has “openly admitted to its involvement in these reprehensible crimes.” “Hence, it must be held accountable for all criminal and terrorist acts committed against Iran and face the consequences without exception,” the Iranian diplomat said.
He urged the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility under the UN Charter and condemn Israel’s “warmongering statements and acts of terrorism, including state terrorism,” which he said pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.
“The Security Council must also demand that the Israeli regime comply with international law and cease its dangerous plans and malicious activities in the region,” Iravani said.
Iran’s Nour News reported on Wednesday that the terrorists, ordered by a foreign intelligence service, smuggled the constituent parts of a micro aerial vehicle and explosive materials from Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region into Iran through far-flung and arduous routes, and handed them over to a liaison in a border city in the northwestern part of the country. The report added that the drone parts and explosives were then assembled at a modern workshop by a group of specialists and were used in the attack.
Elsewhere in his letter, Iravani pointed to the concerning, provocative and unjustified statement made by Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior advisor to Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky, who threatened brazenly to use force against Iran’s critical infrastructure and said such behavior and the thoughtless statement is “not only reckless and irresponsible but also a clear violation of international law and the principles set forth in the United Nations Charter.” He emphasized that such belligerent behavior will not be tolerated and must be firmly condemned.
Iravani voiced Iran’s objection to any form of conflict or war, both in Ukraine and around the world, saying: “Iran also places a high priority on respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. Iran supports resolving the conflict in Ukraine peacefully and through diplomatic means, using negotiations as the means to find a peaceful solution.”
