WANA (Jun 17) – In a speech delivered at a special public session of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament, held today (Tuesday) at Iran’s request, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ali Bahraini, stated that Iran would not hesitate for a moment to defend itself against any aggressor.

 

Bahraini highlighted the violation of international laws and principles by Israel, which carried out a military attack against Iran’s civilian areas and peaceful nuclear facilities on June 13th (last Friday).

 

He emphasised that the attack targeted heavily populated cities, civilian infrastructure, and Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, which are under full oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and are in full compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

 

He stated: “So far, dozens of civilians, including innocent women and children, have lost their lives as a result of Israel’s brutal attacks, which constitute a clear violation of international humanitarian law and war crimes.”

 

The Iranian ambassador further noted that Israel continues to deliberately target civilians and civilian infrastructure, blatantly disregarding its international legal obligations. He pointed out that such actions come as no surprise, given Israel and its Western allies’ long history of targeting civilians in Palestine and Gaza.

 

Bahraini also stressed: “A regime that is not a signatory to any of the international treaties on weapons of mass destruction, including the NPT, refuses to accept IAEA oversight, possesses nuclear weapons, and openly threatens other nations with their use, should never consider itself in a position to act as the guarantor of global order, nor should it attack the peaceful nuclear facilities of an NPT member state.”

 

He added: “It is inconceivable that such aggression and crimes by the Israeli regime would have occurred without the full backing and support of certain Western governments, including the United States.”

 

Bahraini firmly asserted: “We were not the initiators of this war; it was imposed upon us through aggressive actions against our territorial integrity. This occurred while we were preparing for a new round of negotiations aimed at addressing unfounded concerns about our peaceful nuclear program, in exchange for the complete removal of unjust sanctions.”

 

The ambassador continued: “It is clear that Israel is always seeking to disrupt any peaceful initiative or negotiated solution. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond decisively and proportionately to these unlawful and cowardly actions, fully in accordance with international law.”

 

Bahraini concluded by stating that Iran remains determined to use all of its defensive capabilities to protect its sovereignty, citizens, and national security. “As long as Israel’s unlawful and aggressive actions against Iran continue, we will persist in exercising our legitimate right to respond firmly.”

 

He also called on all responsible and peace-loving members of the international community to “remain indifferent to the illegal and terrorist actions of the Israeli regime” and to take immediate collective measures to hold Israel and its supporters accountable.

A building stands damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 14, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)