WANA (Jun 20) – In remarks delivered at the Human Rights Council in Geneva today, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned that peace and the rule of law are under grave threat following Israel’s unlawful aggression against Iran, stating: “Any justification for this unjust and criminal war amounts to participation in the crime itself.”

 

Araghchi began his address by saying: “I am the Foreign Minister of Iran—a peace-loving country, heir to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a rich contribution to global culture, ethics, and human progress. Today, this nation finds itself the target of a shameful act of aggression by a regime that, over the past two years, has committed horrific acts of genocide in Palestine and occupied the lands of its neighbors.”

 

He continued: “I stand before this esteemed body to remind you that every member and observer of the Human Rights Council has a legal and moral duty to stand against this grave injustice. Israel has launched an unprovoked assault on Iran—an act in blatant violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, and a brazen challenge to the principles upon which this council was built.”

 

Araghchi described the attack as “an unjust war imposed on my people since the early hours of Friday, June 13—a war in which Israel has carried out a series of unlawful and criminal operations targeting off-duty military personnel, university professors, and ordinary civilians.”

 

He reported that “hundreds of my fellow citizens have been killed or injured in surprise attacks and terrorist operations by Israel, targeting residential areas, public infrastructure, hospitals, medical centers, and even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

 

He added that Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities were also attacked, “despite being fully under IAEA supervision and despite the fact that attacking such sites is strictly prohibited under international law.”

 

Araghchi emphasized: “An attack on nuclear facilities is a grave war crime—especially given the potential environmental and public health disaster resulting from radioactive leaks.”

 

He stated: “As a founding member of the United Nations, Iran rightfully expects each of you to stand by justice, the rule of law, and the fundamental principles of humanity and morality. Iran is under brutal aggression—this undeniable reality must not be twisted by Israel and its backers.”

 

He reiterated: “Israel’s aggression against Iran can neither be justified nor tolerated under any legal or moral standard. Any justification for this unjust and criminal war is tantamount to complicity in the crime.”

 

The Foreign Minister affirmed Iran’s right to self-defense: “Iran is defending itself against a savage act of aggression. We have an inherent right and duty to protect our territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and security with full force—this right is clearly enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.”

 

He warned that peace and international legal order are at stake: “Peace and the rule of law are under serious threat due to Israel’s illegal aggression. Israel is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. International humanitarian law, already gravely weakened by Israel’s relentless crimes in occupied Palestine and elsewhere, now faces an even more serious challenge, as Israel flagrantly violates the 1949 Geneva Conventions.”

 

Araghchi also revealed that “we were attacked in the midst of a diplomatic process. We were scheduled to meet with the Americans on June 15 to reach what could have been a highly promising agreement on peacefully resolving fabricated concerns around our nuclear program. This assault is a betrayal of diplomacy and an unprecedented blow to the foundations of international law and the UN system.”

 

He concluded with a stark warning: “Let me be clear: if there is ever a moment to utilize the expensive systems and institutions created over the past eight decades to uphold human rights and human dignity, it is now. We need action—or the entire international legal system will face dangerous erosion.”

 

Araghchi closed his remarks by declaring: “This is a historic moment for human civilization—when a civilized nation is under an unjust and aggressive war. The world, every government, every institution must awaken, take action, stop the aggressor, end the culture of impunity, and hold the perpetrators of these endless crimes in our region accountable.”

Speech by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva /WANA News Agency

Speech by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva /WANA News Agency

Israeli Representative Objects to Araghchi’s Speech in Geneva

The Israeli representative at the United Nations stated: “Giving the floor to Iran’s Foreign Minister undermines the credibility of the Human Rights Council and constitutes a blatant betrayal of Israel’s global victims.”

 

“Iran has exploited the Council as a platform to promote its oppressive campaign.”