Negotiation message from Iran: We maintain our cautious optimism

Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, spoke at the UN General Assembly. In his speech, Iravani reacted sharply to a draft resolution containing a call for coordinated "defensive measures" for maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, proposed by Bahrain, which currently holds the presidency of the UN Security Council. He said, "Before presenting my statement, I would like to express Iran's strong objection and deep concern regarding the biased and unilateral statement you made in your capacity as President of the General Assembly. This statement exceeded the limits of your mandate and responsibilities, ignored the root causes of the current situation, and contained baseless accusations against a member state.

The principle of impartiality, which applies to everyone in this position, stems from the spirit of the United Nations Charter and the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Therefore, attitudes that could harm the impartiality and reputation of the General Assembly must be avoided. We categorically reject the baseless and politically motivated allegations made against our country in this meeting.

These allegations aim to cover up the illegal and aggressive war waged by the US and Israel against Iran. The Security Council's failure to refer to the aggressors shows that it has failed to fulfill its responsibility to maintain international peace and security. According to international law, the Security Council is obligated to exercise its powers in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. Deviating from these principles will weaken the legal validity and moral authority of the decisions taken," he said.

Referring to the veto of the draft resolution by China and Russia, Iravani stated, "The veto of the draft resolution by China and Russia was a timely, appropriate, and necessary step. The text in question is one-sided and ignores the root cause of the crisis, which is the illegal and aggressive war launched by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026. The adoption of such a text would undermine the sovereign rights of coastal states, harm the United Nations Charter, and set a dangerous precedent by increasing the risk of escalation," he said.

Reaction to the US "blockade"

Criticizing the US steps regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iravani said, "The illegal steps taken by the US recently, including the attempt to impose a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, clearly demonstrate the problematic approach upon which this draft resolution is based. These steps have increased tension and threatened maritime security and international trade. As a responsible state committed to the UN Charter and international law, Iran has always upheld freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman. As a country bordering the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has fulfilled its obligations in good faith for decades, ensuring the security and free passage of maritime traffic. Within the framework of international law, it has taken the necessary and precautionary measures to maintain the safe conduct of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. These measures were taken to ensure the uninterrupted and safe passage of ships and to prevent this waterway from being used for hostile or military purposes by aggressors and their affiliated elements," he said.

Reacting to the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iravani stated, "The naval blockade announced by the US is a clear violation of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This attempt constitutes a clear violation of the provisions of the UN Charter prohibiting the use of force and the threat of force, and is considered a clear act of aggression under international law. By attempting to block maritime traffic to Iranian ports, the US is unlawfully interfering with Iran's sovereign rights, while also violating the rights of third countries and legitimate maritime trade. The US is fully responsible for all consequences of this illegal act under international law, including its impact on regional and international peace and security. Ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, which lies within the territorial waters of coastal states, is only possible through full respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of these states. Therefore, lasting stability in the Strait of Hormuz and the region can only be achieved by ending the attacks and showing full respect for Iran's legitimate rights and interests," he said.

"Civilian infrastructure was targeted intentionally and indiscriminately"

Stating that all legal, moral, and humanitarian boundaries were violated throughout the attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran, Iravani said, "Civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, schools, hospitals, health centers, airports, and sports, cultural, and historical sites, were targeted intentionally and indiscriminately, international humanitarian law was violated, and war crimes were committed. Furthermore, the US has used military bases and facilities located in countries in the Persian Gulf region. Current findings show that the military activity and operational readiness at these bases were carried out for the purpose of planning, preparing, equipping, and executing illegal military attacks against Iran, despite Iran's previous warnings. Iran has reported these developments to the UN Security Council along with relevant documents," he said.

Emphasis on diplomatic efforts

Referring to mediation efforts, Iravani said, "Iran welcomes and supports any credible diplomatic initiative that can contribute to the permanent end of this illegal and baseless war, especially the efforts led by Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, as well as the initiatives of China and Russia. A lasting solution must guarantee the definitive and irreversible end of the attacks and establish a just and lasting peace based on credible and verifiable assurances to prevent their recurrence. In this context, we would like to thank the government of Pakistan in particular for its constructive role in mediation and for hosting these important talks," he said.

"We participated in the negotiations in good faith"

Addressing Iran's approach to the negotiation process with the US held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, Iravani said, "Despite deep distrust stemming from the US's repeated violations of diplomacy, Iran has participated in the negotiations in good faith and maintains its cautious optimism. We believe that if the US adopts a rational and constructive approach and refrains from demands that are contrary to international law, these negotiations could yield a meaningful result," he said.