On May 22, Saeed Iravani expressed strong objections to comments made by the U.S. representative during a UN Security Council meeting, alleging that the United States misused its platform to issue unfounded accusations against Iran regarding its civilian nuclear endeavors.
Condemnation of Allegations Against Iran
In his correspondence to UN Secretary General António Guterres and President of the Security Council Fu Cong, Iravani firmly rejected claims about Iran’s involvement in a purported drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE. He stated that Iran has historically been a target of aggression from the U.S. and Israel, specifically aimed at its nuclear facilities, and underscored that any assault or threats to peaceful nuclear installations represent serious breaches of international law, the UN Charter, and regulations set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Irony in U.S. Accusations
Iravani pointed out the irony in the U.S. position, as the first and only nation to deploy nuclear weapons. He criticized Washington’s supposed concern for nuclear safety while it has previously attacked Iran’s safeguarded facilities at Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan, and Bushehr during its military campaigns. These actions not only contravene international law but also raise questions about America’s credibility in advocating for nuclear security.
Regional Instability and Responsibility
He also addressed the U.S. narrative of Iran being a destabilizing force in the region. Iravani contended that it is the U.S. and Israeli actions, including multiple unlawful military operations against Iran, that are primarily responsible for regional instability. He highlighted the continued threats to Iran’s infrastructure and people, asserting that the U.S. lacks moral authority in depicting Iran as the aggressor.
Iran’s Commitment to Peaceful Nuclear Energy
In response to repeated U.S. claims about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Iravani reaffirmed that Iran is a steadfast signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). He emphasized that for over two decades, there has been no credible evidence to support allegations against Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. Unlike the U.S. and Israel, Iran has consistently rejected the pursuit of nuclear weapons and has complied with rigorous IAEA inspections.
In closing, Iravani urged the Security Council to reject politically motivated narratives that misrepresent the situation and distract from the true sources of instability. He reinforced that any nation, including the U.S., should not operate above international law while demanding compliance from others. The letter calls for accountability for those responsible for violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes, particularly those impacting Iranian civilians and its nuclear facilities.