Statement by H.E. Mr. Amir Saeid Iravani Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Before the United Nations Security Council On “The situation in the Middle East: (Syria)” New York, 21 August 2025 بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم Thank you, Mr. President. Since this is my first intervention this month, allow me to extend my congratulations to you, Mr. President, on Panama’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month. We are confident that under your able guidance, the Council’s work will be steered successfully. I also wish to commend Pakistan for its effective stewardship and valuable contributions during its presidency in July. We thank Special Envoy Mr. Pedersen and Under Secretary Mr. Fletcher for their informative and insightful briefings. On the situation in Syria, I wish to make the following points: First, the humanitarian situation in Syria remains dire. We commend OCHA, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners for delivering life-saving assistance under difficult circumstances. We reiterate the call by the Security Council for full, safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected communities, in strict accordance with the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. In this context, we welcome lifting all illegal unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Syrian people. These illegal measures deepen the humanitarian crisis, block reconstruction, and obstruct economic recovery. Their removal is essential to enable the safe and dignified return of refugees and internally displaced persons. Sanctions must never be used as instruments of political coercion or interference in Syria’s internal affairs. Second, we take note of the recent report of the Monitoring Team of the Sanctions Committee 1267, which highlights the persistent and grave threat of terrorism in Syria. Da’esh, Al-Qaida, and FTFs continue to destabilize Syria and the wider region, seriously undermining regional and international peace and security. We are deeply alarmed by credible reports indicating the relocation of certain terrorist elements and FTFs from Syria to Afghanistan, which poses a direct threat to Afghanistan’s neighbors and regional stability. We stress that all states must fully comply with international law in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Third, the situation in Sweida remains fragile. According to the report, while a ceasefire has restored temporary calm, clashes continue, and the risk of renewed violence is high without durable arrangements. The humanitarian impact, including the displacement of nearly 200,000 civilians, and restricted access, is deeply alarming. We recall the Council’s presidential statement of 10 August, which condemned these atrocities and called for the protection of all Syrians. We welcome the Syrian interim authorities’ condemnation and pledge to investigate, but stress that accountability must be swift, credible, transparent, and impartial, including for atrocities against Alawite communities in Latakia and Tartous. We urge the authorities to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice. Fourth, we remain concerned about the clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the interim authorities in the northeast. We stress that ongoing political engagement between the parties must be actively encouraged and expanded to prevent further escalation and to create meaningful avenues for dialogue. Fifth, the Security Council should not ignore the ongoing destabilizing actions of the Israeli regime in Syria. Israel’s repeated aggressive attacks have caused civilian casualties, destroyed vital infrastructure, and escalated regional tensions. We categorically reject any attempt to undermine Syria’s sovereignty, alter its demographic composition, and fragment its territory. Regrettably, the Council’s recent presidential statement failed to address these violations. Israel’s continued illegal occupation of the Syrian Golan, in defiance of international law, the UN Charter, Council resolutions, and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, must end without delay. Finally, we reaffirm our conviction that the only sustainable path forward for Syria is a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, facilitated by the United Nations, in conformity with the core principles of the Security Council resolution 2254. Such a process must safeguard the legitimate rights and aspirations of all Syrians, while preserving the sovereignty, independence, unity, and national institutions of Syria. In this context, we note the ongoing preparations for indirect elections for the interim parliament. These efforts must be part of a broader, genuinely inclusive political process that ensures representation and legitimacy. I thank you.