Statement by H.E. Ambassador Amir Said Iravani, Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

On the “Report of the Security Council [item 27] (A/77/2)”

Before the United Nations General Assembly

New York, 30 June 2022

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

Mr. President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran notes the recent report presented by the Security Council (A/77/2) and acknowledges the potential of regular annual submissions of such reports in enhancing transparency and accountability within the Council. This practice can serve as a valuable means of keeping the General Assembly informed about the decisions and measures undertaken by the Security Council to uphold international peace and security.

We thank Brazil for the timely preparation of the Security Council’s report and appreciate the UAE’s presidency of the Council for presenting it.

While the report provides valuable factual information regarding the Council’s activities, it falls short in providing substantive and analytical insights in relation to overarching trends in international peace and security. Consequently, it cannot enable the General Assembly to make a comprehensive and meaningful assessment of the Council’s performance and evaluate the state of international peace and security.

We strongly uphold this principle that the Council bears a profound responsibility to the Member States on whose behalf it acts and, therefore, must be held accountable to them. The decisions made by its members should be guided by the collective interests of the entire United Nations membership. Safeguarding the credibility of the Security Council necessitates the strong rejection of any attempts to manipulate it as a means to pursue national political interests and agendas. It is absolutely vital for the credibility of the Security Council to reject the intentions to turn it into a tool to pursue national political interests and agendas. It is an approach that – regrettably – has continued to be applied in many cases.

The General Assembly shall be able to assess the Council’s performance, as well as the state of international peace and security, including cases in which the Council has failed to act substantively and comprehensively. In this regard, I would like to highlight the most everlasting problem in the Middle East wherein the Council has remained utterly silent.

The Israeli apartheid regime continues its oppressive and expansionist policies, including its unlawful criminal practices in the region, in particular in the occupied Palestinian territories. Their actions have resulted in the killing of innocent Palestinian people, including women and children; the requisitioning of Palestinian people's properties; and the seizure, demolition, and forcible eviction of people from their homes. Furthermore, Israel continues to occupy the Syrian Golan and repeatedly violates Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly by targeting civilians and civilian objects. 

Mr. President;

All these atrocities against nations in the region and the Palestinian People have not received any concrete reaction from the Security Council. Indeed, the Israeli regime commits such atrocities in full view of the international community knowing well that it will not face any consequences. As is reflected in Chapter 12 of Part V of the report, my delegation has continued to highlight the Israeli regime’s threat to peace and security in the region.

In addition, Israel's dangerous policy of pursuing weapons of mass destruction and its capabilities, as well as its direct involvement in terrorist actions, remains a matter of grave concern for countries in the Middle East.  This regime has refused to adhere to any WMD, disarmament, or control regimes, despite repeated international calls for it to join the NPT and accept the comprehensive safeguards agreement and submit its nuclear programs for inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency. It has also declined to take part in two initiatives to establish a zone free from weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East.

We express deep regret over the Security Council's inability to adequately address these significant concerns, primarily due to the consistent support provided by one of its permanent members. It is disheartening that this support has hindered the Council's ability to take necessary actions. In light of this situation, we urgently call upon the United Nations as a whole to take immediate and decisive action to put an end to Israel's continued impunity. It is imperative that concrete measures are taken to ensure accountability and justice for the violations being committed.

Mr. President;

            The holders of permanent seats on the Council bear a special responsibility to uphold its credibility, comply with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and ensue the implementation of the Council’s resolutions. However, it is a matter of deep concern that the United States continues to openly violate resolution 2231 (2015). Its unlawful unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018, and subsequent imposition of unilateral sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran are clear violations of resolution 2231. Despite the numerous calls by the international community, the United States continues to ignore its commitments and even rejects previous agreements in discussions for a possible return to the full implementation of the JCPOA, raising reasons far beyond the scope of the resolutions 2231.

Additionally, it is worth noting that this is the first time in the Council’s history that a permanent member has openly invited all Member States to either disobey that resolution or face punishment. If this alarming trend goes unchecked, it will severely damage the credibility of the organization and the Council, eroding the rule of law and leading to international disorder. It is crucial to address and rectify these actions to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of the Council and uphold the principles of international law.

In conclusion, my delegation emphasizes the importance for the Council to refrain from deliberating on issues that do not pose a threat to international peace and security or pertain to the internal affairs of sovereign states. It is critical to uphold full compliance with the Charter to prevent the Council from excessively and hastily resorting to its Chapter VII functions. We have observed instances where sanctions were imposed in situations where no action was warranted, underscoring the need for careful consideration and measured responses. By maintaining adherence to these principles, the Council can ensure that its actions are proportionate and consistent with its mandate to preserve global peace and security.

I thank you, Mr. President.