Statement by

Mr. Sattar Ahmadi

First Counsellor and Representative

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

Before the United Nations Security Council

Open debate: the maintenance of international peace and security: on “New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism”

New York, 14 December 2022

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. President,

I thank India for convening this meeting. This is a timely open debate because multilateralism is under threat at a time when it is most needed.

We thank the Secretary-General and the president of the General Assembly for their powerful words as well as their reconfirming the importance of multilateralism.

Mr. President,

Multilateralism continues to be the most successful approach for tackling the challenges facing the international community today. However, genuine multilateralism must be founded on inclusiveness rather than exclusion and collaboration rather than confrontation, the rule of law instead of the rule of power.

Mr. President,

The effective application of international law and strict adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN are two main pillars of multilateralism. Yet, today international community is plagued by double standards in the application of international law and the UN Charter.  

The UN's authority and powers have been repeatedly abused by certain member States, who regard the UN system as their preferred tool for exerting pressure on independent countries in pursuit of their own illegitimate political agendas.

While the US representative made a statement in support of multilateralism and in defense of the UN Charter in this chamber, we saw the unmasked and true face of the United States, at the ECOSOC meeting, right next to this chamber.

In hypocritical behavior, the United States has launched a propaganda and misinformation campaign against my country and pursued an illegal request to deprive Iran of its membership privileges as an elected member of the CSW, which Iran joined via a transparent and democratic election process.

Regrettably, such a politically motivated decision was carried out unlawfully and by a lawless and bullying UN member, who resorted to the rule of power and placed maximum political pressure on ECOSOC independent members to agree with and further its political agenda.

The deprivation of Iran from the SCW was yet another stark indication of the return of unilateralism.

The United States' action today was a blatant attack on the rule-based foundation of the UN system and a mockery of multilateralism. It has breached the UN Charter, including the essential concept of sovereign equality of States in membership with meaningful and equal participation in all multilateral forums, which has been regarded as the key foundation of multilateralism and the UN System.

Mr. President,

This is not the first time the United States has insulted the UN system and multilateralism.

Indeed, the United States is well-known for such violations of the UN Charter and international law. Another detrimental practice that demonstrates how the US has fought multilateralism is its withdrawal from the JCPOA, a deal, which was a remarkable outcome of multilateralism, endorsed by the UN Security Council resolution 2231 and widely acknowledged as a collaborative diplomatic achievement by the international community.

Furthermore, the US openly avoids implementing the unanimous ICJ judgment requesting the immediate removal of US sanctions.

Mr. President

We believe that when such illegal and aggressive unilateral actions threaten multilateralism, we must defend it, confront its challenges, and promote its relevance and effectiveness. A rule-based international order requires this. The United Nations must move strongly to protect and promote multilateralism.

The United Nations should not allow the United States to pursue its unilateral, arrogant, and egocentric agenda indefinitely or to take advantage of any loopholes in the norms and procedures of UN bodies, nor should the international community allow its Member States to succumb to US pressure. This will provide multilateralism and international law with essential support.

We continue to believe that the United Nations must act as the main center for coordinating activities because it is the foundation of the contemporary world order and hosts representation for all sovereign governments. Its distinctive validity and exceptional capabilities are especially required now.

We call on all Member States to adhere unwaveringly to the principles and purposes of the Charter, including respecting the sovereign equality of states, not interfering in their internal affairs, settling disputes by political and diplomatic means, and rejecting the threat or use of force.

I thank you, Mr. President.