WANA (Jan 25) – Iran’s representative to the United Nations has dismissed Israeli claims regarding the alleged smuggling of advanced weaponry from Iran to Lebanon as baseless. Amir Saeid Iravani, in a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council, accused Israel of using such unfounded allegations to justify its ongoing illegal occupation of Lebanese territories.

 

Iran Responds to Israeli Claims

The letter was a response to an Israeli communication dated January 13, 2025, which accused Iran of openly violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) by smuggling advanced weapons into Lebanon. Iravani firmly rejected the allegations, labeling them a mere pretext for Israel’s repeated violations of the resolution and its disregard for ceasefire arrangements with Lebanon.

 

“Iran categorically denies these baseless accusations,” Iravani wrote. “They serve only to legitimize Israel’s continued illegal occupation of Lebanese territories and its refusal to fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, including withdrawing from southern Lebanon as required within the stipulated 60-day period.”

 

Call for UN Action Against Israel

Iravani urged the Security Council to take a firm stance and compel Israel to adhere fully to its commitments under Resolution 1701. He called for the immediate cessation of Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon without delay.

 

“Failure to take decisive measures will embolden Israel to commit further violations, endangering peace and security in the region,” he warned.

 

Condemnation of U.S. and U.K. Allegations

The Iranian envoy also used the opportunity to reject similar accusations made by representatives of the United States and the United Kingdom during the Security Council’s open debate on January 23, 2025. The debate, held under the agenda item “Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organizations,” included claims that Iran was involved in destabilizing activities in the region.

 

“These accusations are entirely groundless and part of a deliberate effort to divert attention from the direct complicity of the accusers in Israel’s war crimes and acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza,” Iravani stated.

 

He further criticized the U.S. and U.K. for their “unconditional support” of Israel, which he claimed emboldens the regime to commit atrocities with impunity. Iran reiterated its principled stance, emphasizing the need for an end to the occupation, the establishment of a just and lasting peace, and the recognition of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination in accordance with international law.