Excellency,

          I am writing to you regarding the letter dated 26 January 2024 from the Permanent Representative of Morocco to the United Nations, in his capacity as the Chair of the 160th session of the Council of the League of Arab States, addressed to the Secretary-General and President of the Security Council transmitting the so-called resolution 8989 of the League of Arab States of 17 January 2024 (A/78/751-S/2024/97).  

          The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects the aforementioned resolution in its entirety, including the unjustified and baseless allegations made against the country. The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the resolution's content to be unconstructive and unacceptable. Iran has always committed to the UN Charter and international law principles, in particular principles of good neighbourliness, national sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

          As an immediate neighbor with a deep, strong, and long-standing relationship, as well as shared religious and cultural ties, with Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran places high value on its relations with its fraternal country. Iran reiterates its steadfast commitment to fully respecting Iraq's national sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. The anti-terrorist operations by the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out on 16 January 2024 were necessary and proportionate, precisely targeting bases of terrorist groups and fully respecting Iran's international obligations, especially international humanitarian law.

I should be grateful if you would circulate the present letter as a document of the Security Council.

          Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.