Iran reaffirms right to defend itself against US-Israeli aggression

Iran has warned that Israel’s continued military aggression in Gaza, attacks on neighboring countries, and expansion of illegal settlements, alongside unlawful US aggression against Iran, pose a serious threat to regional and international peace, reaffirming Tehran’s right to self-defense.

Addressing the UN Security Council, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Gholamhossein Darzi said that despite the declared ceasefire in Gaza, Israel “continues to violate the ceasefire through ongoing military attacks and severe restrictions on humanitarian access,” exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Iranian representative said Israel’s continued expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, along with its repeated acts of aggression against Lebanon and continued violation of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity, further undermine regional peace and security.

“The continued unlawful actions of the Israeli regime pose a great threat to international peace and security,” the envoy said.

He reiterated that any lasting solution to the Palestinian issue must include “a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, the full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, and full UN membership for the State of Palestine.”

The representative stressed that humanitarian aid and Gaza’s reconstruction “must never be conditioned on political or military objectives,” adding that accountability for violations of international humanitarian law is essential.

“The Israeli regime, together with those that enabled this regime for its atrocious crimes through political, military and economic support, must be held responsible for grave violations of international humanitarian law,” he said.

Referring to the International Criminal Court, the Iranian envoy described the issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Nov. 21, 2024, as “a clear reminder that no one is above international law.”

The death toll from Israel’s military aggression in the Gaza Strip has risen to 73,317, the Ministry said on Saturday, as Israeli attacks on the territory continued.

The ministry said that 1,191 Palestinians have been killed and 3,853 others wounded since the ceasefire was announced on October 10, 2025.

It added that the bodies of 803 victims had also been recovered from beneath the rubble during the same period.

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Darzi further slammed the United States for violating the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law through attacks on civilian infrastructure.

“The United States is the aggressor through its acts of aggression against Iran,” the representative said. 

“The US has violated the Charter of the United Nations... by deliberately targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, medical facilities, bridges and other essential infrastructure.”

The envoy cited the attack on Minab school as “a tragic and undeniable example of war crimes,” adding that senior US officials had publicly acknowledged the attacks.

“The United States bears full international responsibility for its internationally wrongful acts,” he said. “Those who are responsible for these grave crimes will sooner or later face accountability before competent international judicial bodies.”

Calling on the Security Council not to tolerate impunity, the Iranian representative warned that “silence and impunity will only encourage the repetition of these crimes.”

Concluding his remarks, the envoy reaffirmed that Iran’s actions are rooted in self-defense under international law.

“We reiterate that all Iran’s measures are defensive, necessary and consistent with international law,” he said.

“Iran has exercised and will continue to exercise its inherent right of self-defense, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, to protect its people and safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and vital national interests against US acts of aggression.”

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