WANA (May 21) – Amir Saeed Iravani, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated that the continued occupation of Syria’s Golan Heights by the Israeli regime is a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 497 (1981). He added that Israel’s repeated attacks—including the May 2 airstrike near the Presidential Palace—must be strongly condemned, as they threaten regional peace and are enabled by U.S. support.

 

Speaking on Wednesday local time at a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East and Syria, Iravani noted: “We have taken note of recent announcements by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom regarding the lifting or suspension of certain unilateral sanctions. Although these measures come late, they are considered a positive step.”

 

The senior Iranian diplomat stressed that the suffering of the Syrian people must not be exploited for political purposes. “We call for the complete and unconditional lifting of all unilateral sanctions. These illegal measures violate the UN Charter and international law. Today, over 16 million Syrians are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Any reduction in sanctions must result in real and immediate improvements in people’s lives. These actions should also contribute to the return of refugees and the reconstruction of Syria’s economy and infrastructure, paving the way for lasting peace and stability.”

 

Iravani also said that the Syrian people have suffered under foreign occupation, terrorism, and economic pressure. “We emphasize that the future of Syria must be determined solely by the Syrians themselves, without any foreign interference or imposed solutions. Any political process must be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, and in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.”

 

The full text of the statement by Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations is as follows:

 

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

 

Thank you, Mr. Minister. We welcome your presence and thank you for chairing this meeting. We appreciate Mr. Pedersen, the Special Envoy, and Mr. Rajasingham, Director of the Coordination Division, for their insightful briefings.

 

Mr. President,

On the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic, I wish to make the following points:

 

1. Humanitarian Aid and Sanctions:

Iran welcomes the growing international acknowledgment that humanitarian and reconstruction aid in Syria must not be politicized. We note the recent announcements to lift and suspend unilateral sanctions by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. These steps, though long overdue, are positive. The suffering of the Syrian people should not be used for political purposes. We call for the full and unconditional lifting of all unilateral sanctions. These illegal measures violate the UN Charter and international law. Today, more than 16 million Syrians need urgent help. Any easing of sanctions must lead to real and immediate improvements in their lives. It must also support the return of refugees and help rebuild Syria’s economy and infrastructure, paving the way for lasting peace and stability.

 

2. Sovereignty and Foreign Military Presence:

Syria has the right and responsibility to maintain peace and security throughout its territory. However, its security remains fragile due to the ongoing foreign military presence and illegal occupation, especially in the northeast and south. The continued occupation of the Syrian Golan by Israel clearly violates international law and Security Council resolution 497 (1981). Israel’s repeated attacks, including the 2 May airstrike near the presidential palace, must be firmly condemned. These acts threaten the region’s peace and are made possible by U.S. support. We strongly reaffirm that Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. All foreign forces that are illegally in Syria must withdraw immediately and unconditionally. It is evident that only the Israeli occupying regime stands to benefit from the fragmentation and instability in Syria. Its persistent acts of aggression, repeated violations of international law, and continued expansion of occupation are clearly aimed at perpetuating a state of permanent instability in the country.

 

3. Combating Terrorism:

As a close neighbor, Iran emphasizes the need to fight all forms of terrorism in Syria, especially the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs). We are deeply concerned about reports that FTFs are being relocated from Syria to other conflict areas. This could increase instability in the region and pose serious risks to neighboring countries. The Security Council must remain alert and respond through strong and effective measures. We welcome the PKK’s announcement to disarm and regard it as a significant step toward rejecting violence and enhancing regional stability. We express hope that other affiliated armed and terrorist groups, including PJAK, will follow this path, contributing to lasting peace and security in the region.

 

4. Political Solution:

The people of Syria have suffered from foreign occupation, terrorism, and economic pressure. We emphasize that Syria’s future must be decided by Syrians alone, without outside interference or imposed solutions. Any political process must be led and owned by Syria, in line with Security Council resolution 2254. Iran fully supports the UN Special Envoy, Mr. Geir Pedersen, and his efforts to promote an inclusive process. This process must respect Syria’s sovereignty and proceed without foreign pressure. In this context, Iran supports the dialogue between the Syrian interim authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as an important step toward national integration. We encourage inclusive engagement and dialogue that ensures equal rights for all Syrians.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.