WANA (Jan 22) – Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh addressed an extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) at the United Nations headquarters on Wednesday, emphasising that the Islamic Republic is committed to seeking justice for those whose blood was unjustly shed during recent developments.

 

Speaking to representatives of Islamic nations, Khatibzadeh detailed the trajectory of recent events, asserting that the Iranian government and people have successfully navigated one of the most challenging periods in their history through collective resilience, despite the “wounds” inflicted upon the nation.

 

National Mourning and Legal Redress

The Deputy Minister highlighted the atmosphere of mourning currently prevailing in Iran following the loss of several compatriots. “The government and the nation of Iran are deeply grieving these incidents,” Khatibzadeh stated. “The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran will act as the seeker of justice for the blood shed unjustly , ensuring those responsible are held accountable.”

 

Regional Destabilisation and External Threats

Khatibzadeh also pointed to the “Zionist regime’s” long-standing operations against the Islamic world and Iran. He argued that their strategy is rooted in regional disintegration and the destabilisation of the Middle East. He further characterised recent attempts to carry out terrorist operations within Iran as a continuation of the regime’s “strategic failure” in past conflicts.

 

Right to Protest vs. Foreign Exploitation

While reaffirming the Iranian people’s inherent right to peaceful protest, the official condemned the “instrumental use of human rights” by foreign powers. “Those whose hands are stained with the blood of tens of thousands of innocent people in Gaza and elsewhere are attempting to advance anti-Iranian agendas by exploiting concepts like human rights,” he noted.

 

OIC Solidarity and Rejection of Interference

At the meeting’s conclusion, OIC member states, including Turkey, voiced their support for Iran’s territorial integrity and stability. The participants condemned foreign interference in Iran’s internal affairs and declared their solidarity with the Iranian people against external aggressions and regional threats.

 

According to Iranian authorities, while peaceful protests over economic issues began on December 28, 2025, they were “hijacked” between January 8 and 10, 2026, by organised armed groups utilising extremist, “ISIS-style” violence, encouraged by provocative rhetoric from U.S. and Israeli officials.

The state bank building burned during Iran’s protests, on a street in Tehran, Iran, January 19, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)