Statement by H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Before the 10th Emergency Special Session of General Assembly (resumed session) 12 June 2025   In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful   Mr. President, Distinguished delegates, Since the first convening of this emergency special session in April 1997, when the United Nations Member States and Observers initially gathered under the agenda item titled ‘Illegal Israeli Actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the Rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory,’ we have collectively engaged in extensive deliberations—amounting to thousands of minutes—addressing Israel’s ongoing violations and its continued occupation of Palestinian land. Numerous resolutions have been adopted, each containing clear and unequivocal provisions, including repeated calls for an immediate cessation of illegal settlement activities, the protection of Palestinian civilians, and adherence to international humanitarian law. However, not one has been fully implemented by Israel, and no substantive progress has been witnessed in reversing its apartheid policies or expansionist agenda. The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its profound concern over the continued disregard by Israeli authorities for fundamental principles of international law, human rights law, and humanitarian law. Equally alarming is the relentless and indiscriminate support for Israel’s unlawful colonial and occupation-driven policies by certain Western countries, particularly the United States. The use of the veto to obstruct the adoption of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, alongside the imposition of sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the continued transfer of arms to the occupying regime, constitutes a glaring manifestation of the ongoing practice of shielding Israeli perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The United States’ recent veto, undeniably hampers the Security Council’s ability to fulfill its mandate of maintaining international peace and security and impedes the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. Since the commencement of the illegal occupation of Palestine, Israeli occupying forces have repeatedly engaged in acts of aggression against the occupied territories. In addition to the devastating and genocidal attacks against Palestinians, the Israeli apartheid regime has systematically weaponized starvation, depriving people—including women and children—of essential food supplies as a means of ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities. Furthermore, Israel has sought to expand conflict, instability, and hostilities to other parts of the region. The occupying regime must abide by ceasefire agreements and fully comply with relevant United Nations resolutions, ensuring accountability and adherence to international law. Mr. President, The Islamic Republic of Iran stresses that in accordance with the Member States’ foremost obligation under the UN Charter, we must undertake effective and coordinated measures to eliminate this protracted threat to international peace and security. It is imperative that we uphold our collective responsibility and take resolute action in support of populations enduring foreign occupation, ensuring the protection of their fundamental rights and the realization of their aspirations for self-determination. The Islamic Republic of Iran voted in favour of the resolution, given the urgency of the humanitarian situation and the importance of an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and also the necessity of expediting all necessary measures to ensure compliance by Israel with its obligations in line with international law and UN Charter including to respect and protect all civilians as well as UN and humanitarian staff. Accordingly, my delegation recalls the international demand for the immediate release of all Palestinian prisoners and return them as well as other Palestinian civilians to their home, as underscored in Operative Paragraph 3 of the resolution. In this context, my delegation dissociates itself from Operative Paragraph 2, on the grounds that it lacks balance and fails to acknowledge the widespread and systematic practice of arbitrary detention affecting thousands of Palestinians who continue to be held in Israeli prisons under conditions that have been widely documented for violence, inhuman treatment, and grave human rights violations. I would like to conclude by stating that my delegation reiterates that its support for the resolution does not affect Iran’s long-standing and consistent national position on the question of Palestine, which includes non-recognition of the Israeli regime. Thank you, Mr. President.