WANA (Apr 17) – Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that lasting stability in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader region can only be achieved through full respect for Iran’s legitimate rights and interests.

 

Speaking at a session of the United Nations General Assembly, he addressed the veto of a draft resolution proposed by Bahrain at the United Nations Security Council, describing the move by China and Russia as “timely, justified, and necessary.” According to Iravani, the draft was “one-sided” and failed to address what he described as the root cause of the crisis—namely, a military attack by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026.

 

He warned that adopting such a resolution could have set a dangerous precedent by undermining the sovereign rights of coastal states and increasing regional tensions. Iravani also described recent actions by the United States, including efforts to impose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, as “unlawful,” adding that such measures threaten maritime security and international trade.

 

The Iranian envoy emphasized that Iran, as a responsible state committed to international law, has consistently ensured freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman. He noted that Iran has fulfilled its obligations in good faith over decades as a coastal state, guaranteeing safe passage for vessels.

 

He further stated that Iran has adopted necessary precautionary measures in line with international law to ensure the safety and security of maritime transit, aimed at facilitating continuous and secure navigation while preventing hostile or military exploitation of the waterway.

 

Iravani also described the announced U.S. naval blockade as a “clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” arguing that it contravenes the principles of the UN Charter, particularly the prohibition on the threat or use of force. He stressed that the United States must bear full responsibility for the consequences of such actions at both regional and international levels.

 

Referring to recent developments, he claimed that attacks on civilian infrastructure—including residential areas, medical facilities, and public institutions—constitute violations of international humanitarian law. He also pointed to the use of regional military bases for operations against Iran, stating that these developments have been formally reported to international bodies.

 

In another part of his remarks, Iravani welcomed diplomatic efforts by countries such as Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, as well as initiatives by China and Russia, noting that any sustainable solution must ensure a definitive end to the conflict and establish a just and verifiable peace.

 

He concluded by rejecting what he described as “baseless allegations” against Iran raised during the session, reiterating that freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz can only be ensured through respect for the sovereignty and legitimate rights of coastal states.