WANA (Sep 13) – In its remarks on the draft UN resolution concerning the question of Palestine, the Iranian Mission emphasized that any practical solution must be based on recognition of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the rejection of forced displacement.
The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations in New York, in its explanation of vote regarding the resolution on Palestine, outlined Iran’s position as follows:
“In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Madam President, Distinguished Colleagues,
At a time when our world faces an unprecedented situation, the fundamental values we collectively uphold—humanity, justice, and integrity—are gravely threatened by an occupying power whose policies reflect systemic discrimination, territorial expansionism, and disregard for international humanitarian norms.
After nearly two years of relentless military aggression, the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza, are enduring mass killings, forced displacement, starvation, and the systematic destruction of civilian life and infrastructure, in blatant violation of international law. This devastation is not confined to Palestine; Israel’s repeated aggressions against other countries have further destabilized the region and threatened international peace and security.
Decades of concessions, diplomatic proposals, and normalization efforts have failed to halt Israel’s crimes and illegal occupation, instead emboldening it to pursue ever more expansionist, racist, and colonial policies.
Systematic disregard for UN resolutions—shielded by repeated Security Council vetoes and the continuous transfer of arms—has shown that current approaches, though presented as decisive, cannot achieve their stated objectives. A just and lasting solution will remain out of reach unless the international community adopts binding resolutions that address root causes, ensure accountability, and uphold the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Madam President,
The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered humanitarian access, and reconstruction carried out with full respect for the rights of the Palestinian people. Iran also reiterates its unwavering support for the legitimate resistance of the Palestinian people against occupation, foreign intervention, and apartheid policies.
Iran stresses that lasting peace can only be achieved through an end to occupation and the full realization of the independence and sovereignty of the State of Palestine. This must be based on the genuine will of its original inhabitants—Muslims, Jews, and Christians—expressed through a free and inclusive referendum, as proposed in document S/2019/862.
In conclusion, Iran believes that any practical solution must be based on recognition of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, rejection of any form of forced displacement, and the guarantee of full and equal participation of all components of Palestinian society in shaping the future of their country.
The international community must call on the Security Council to recommend Palestine’s admission as a full member state of the United Nations and to ensure Israel’s full accountability for war crimes, genocide, and prolonged illegal occupation. This includes imposing targeted sanctions and suspending its membership in the United Nations in order to safeguard the credibility of the Organization.”
The UN Resolution on the Question of Palestine. 12 Sep 2025 . Social Media / WANA News Agency

The UN Resolution on the Question of Palestine. 12 Sep 2025 . Social Media / WANA News Agency

Additional Context
Yesterday, Friday, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the establishment of a Palestinian state under the so-called “two-state solution.”
Iran, along with countries such as Iraq and Tunisia, abstained from the vote. Iran has repeatedly stressed that the question of Palestine can only be resolved through a referendum with the full participation of all Palestinians, and that the occupying regime must end its occupation—points that are not clearly stated in this plan, which fails to fully recognize the rights of the Palestinian people.
The statement ignores the presence of Israelis in Palestinian territories and their continued occupation, which forms part of a broader colonial project in West Asia—one of the root causes of the regional crisis.
The drafters of the resolution deliberately overlooked the fact that Israel and the United States are the main obstacles to the realization of the two-state solution. Meanwhile, Israel’s ongoing occupation and apartheid policies in Palestinian territories continue, making the two-state solution unattainable and incapable of ending the conflict in the region.
Under international law, the right of people under occupation to resist colonial or apartheid policies in pursuit of self-determination and self-defense is recognized. Clauses two and three of this resolution state that measures against occupiers are legitimate; yet, the condemnation of the Palestinians’ right to defend themselves on October 7 in response to the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime is inconsistent and must be judged within this context.
Iran, however, believes in a fundamental solution to this long-standing conflict—one that lies in the complete end of occupation across all Palestinian lands and the holding of a national referendum throughout Palestine, with the participation of all its original inhabitants—Muslims, Christians, and Jews. In this process, all displaced Palestinians must be allowed to return to their homeland and take part in the referendum. Only this democratic process can provide a genuine solution to the question of Palestine.
Furthermore, the Islamic Republic of Iran underscores that Palestinian resistance groups, operating under continuous occupation, act within the framework of international law that recognizes the right of peoples under occupation to resist apartheid policies.