In the name of God, the most Compassionate, the most Merciful

25 May 2022

Excellency,

I am writing to you with regard to the cowardly and abhorrent assassination of Martyr Sayyad Khodaei, a member of the Iranian Armed Forces who played a significant role in the fight against terrorism and Daesh in the region, which took place in Tehran on 22 May 2022.

According to preliminary assessments and available basic evidence, this terrorist act is committed in continuation of systematic assassinations of innocent Iranian citizens and scientists by certain regimes to advance their illegitimate foreign policy goals in the region.

Such criminal acts constitute a blatant violation of the UN Charter, international law principles, and fundamental human rights, posing an undeniable threat to regional and international peace and stability, with their perpetrators and supporters bearing the brunt of the consequences.

The continuation of such acts of state terrorism has vividly challenged the rule of law, creating great and ever-increasing concerns for the international community.

Given the dire implications of this terrorist and criminal act on international peace and security, inaction and silence in the face of such a provocative and norm-breaking act will only encourage and embolden its perpetrators and their accomplices to continue their disgraceful and wrongful acts.

Bearing in mind the dangerous consequences of such terrorist acts on international peace and security, the international community should strongly condemn such brutal assassinations targeting innocent citizens of other countries by well-known state terrorism of certain regimes.

At the same time, as a victim of terrorism and a regional leader in the genuine and serious fight against it, we emphasize that such a heinous crime will not undermine Iran's policy and determination against terrorism. Rather, it will strengthen our resolve to continue fighting terrorism.

In line with its responsibilities to genuinely fight terrorism and in a non-discriminatory manner, the UN is expected to condemn this atrocious act.

The investigations about this terrorist act are underway. In a meantime, we will take all necessary measures to protect our people and interests, and will use all available mechanisms to hold the perpetrators of this terrorist crime and their supporters accountable.

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

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

Majid Takht Ravanchi

Ambassador

Permanent Representative

His Excellency. Mr. Antonio Guterres

Secretary - General

United Nations