GENEVA: In a powerful address to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned what he called an “unjust war of aggression” by Israel and called for immediate global action.
Representing “a peace-loving nation of 100 million,” Araghchi accused Israel of launching unprovoked attacks on Iran since June 13, targeting off-duty military personnel, civilians, hospitals, infrastructure and even peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA monitoring. “This is a clear violation of international law and a grave war crime,” he stated.
Highlighting the risk of environmental catastrophe from attacks on nuclear sites, he called the strikes a serious threat to regional stability and human rights. “Israel’s actions violate Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions,” he said, urging every UN member to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities.
The minister also revealed that Iran had been in the midst of promising diplomatic talks with the US to resolve issues around its nuclear programme. “This was a betrayal of diplomacy,” he noted “and a blow to the very foundation of international law.”
Citing Iran’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the Charter, Araghchi warned: “We are determined to protect our sovereignty and security.”
Araghchi said, "This is a historic moment for human civilisation when a civilised nation has come under an unjust war of aggression. The world, every State, every UN mechanism and body, has to be alarmed and has to act now to stop the aggressor, to end impunity and to hold the criminals accountable for their unending atrocities and crimes in our region."
He mentioned that this is a call from someone who has allocated his whole life to dialogue and diplomacy, but who also, is a veteran of an imposed war by Saddam regime and knows how to defend his beloved mother land.
He concluded with an urgent call to the international community: “The time to act is now. This is a historic test for the UN and all who believe in justice and peace.”
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
