Statement by

H.E. Mr. Hadi Farajvand

Director of Security Council and International Cooperation on Counter Terrorism Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before the Second United Nations High-Level Conference on Counter-Terrorism, UNGA

On “The Global Scourge of Terrorism: Assessment of Current Threats

and Emerging Trends for the New Decade”

New York, 28 June 2021

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

Thank you, Madam Chairperson,

At the outset, allow me to commend the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism for convening this High-Level Conference. This event presents itself as an opportunity for us to exchange views on one of the most important issues within today’s global affairs.

Madam Chairperson,

Dear Colleagues,

Parallel to the continued increase in the use of terrorist groups by some specific countries aimed towards achieving their foreign policy goals by creating Al-Qaida and Da’esh, the COVID-19 pandemic has also changed many terrorist trends worldwide. Unfortunately, the threats of terrorism in Iraq and Syria, which seemed to have declined in 2017, are reviving once again.

 I would like to touch upon some of the current threats as well as new trends of terrorism in our region.

Madam Chairperson,

Foreign Terrorist Fighters and their accompanying families in Syria and Iraq continue to be a growing concern, especially due to the lack of seriousness by their governments, including some western countries, to repatriate them to their countries of origin. It is an urgent security issue not only for the Middle East but also for the entire world. Unfortunately, the 7th Global Counter Terrorism Strategy review did not adequately address this growing threat due to the objection by those same countries.

The transfer of terrorists to and between conflict zones is another trend in the evolution of international terrorism in our region that is a matter of serious concern. The Islamic Republic of Iran, based on reliable evidence, has alarmed the international community time and again regarding the involvement of the US in the transfer of ISIL terrorists from Iraq and Syria to Afghanistan. The rise of terrorist attacks in Afghanistan in recent months and days are a testament to this claim. 

Madam Chairperson,

While Islamic countries are the main victims of terrorism, Islamophobia in some countries that claim to pioneer in upholding human rights is increasing systematically. If this trend continues, it will only lead to strengthening the cycle of violence and violent extremism conducive to terrorism. Assaulting religious sanctities, especially Islamic sanctities, under the guise of “freedom of speech” is one of the most prominent examples of this unwelcomed trend that should be confronted sooner rather than later.

The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that addressing the root causes of terrorism is the only way to prevent and counter terrorism. In this vein, as long as Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCMs) target ordinary citizens, it contributes to the root causes of terrorism. UCMs also hinder international cooperation among member states in preventing and countering terrorism in this critical juncture.

In conclusion, Madam. Chairperson, while my Country has been the subject of unprecedented sanctions exerted by the US, especially during this pandemic, these restrictions have not changed our firm determination to continue the fight against terrorism. As one of the main victims of terrorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran extends its hands to cooperate with other countries in this global effort.

 I thank you.