WANA (Aug 05) – Iran’s First Vice President, emphasizing the importance and sensitivity of the United Nations’ role in the current situation, stated: “We consider the United Nations to hold a special position, and the circumstances require that this organization play a more effective role regarding international issues and challenges. Despite the clear aggression by the Zionist regime and the United States against Iranian territory, we have not witnessed a serious reaction from the United Nations.”

 

Aref met with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the Third Conference of Landlocked Developing Countries on Tuesday and stated:

 

“We hold a special regard for the United Nations, but the current circumstances demand more effective engagement from the organization,” Aref stated. “Despite the blatant violations of Iranian sovereignty by the Zionist regime and the U.S., the UN has failed to deliver a serious response.”

 

Addressing the recent military attacks, Aref stressed that Iran has consistently adhered to international laws and norms.

 

“The United States has never been able to prove that Iran seeks non-peaceful nuclear objectives,” he said. “Yet in the recent war, it aligned with the Zionist regime in its aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

 

Aref noted that Iran accepted a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds, despite ongoing threats of war.

 

“Iran is a civilized nation committed to peace. We have never been the initiators of conflict,” he said.

 

He warned that continued violations by powerful nations could set a dangerous precedent and destabilize the region.

 

“We fear that such aggressions may become a trend, undermining regional stability. If the United Nations had acted more decisively earlier, the tragedies now unfolding in Palestine and Gaza could have been prevented.”

 

Commenting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Aref said:

 

“What we are witnessing in Gaza is barbarism and savagery in the modern era. We expect the United Nations to take a more active role in deterring the Zionist regime and to double its efforts and support.”

 

He also urged the UN to condemn Western-led Iranophobia, stressing that Iran has always cooperated with the UN to promote global peace.

 

In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Iran’s historical and cultural contributions to global civilization. He recalled Iran’s constructive cooperation with the UN during his tenure as High Commissioner for Refugees.

 

Guterres condemned the military attacks by Israel and the U.S. on Iran, calling them illegal under international law. He stressed the importance of upholding international norms and continuing the ceasefire.

 

“Iran’s nuclear issue must be resolved through diplomatic means,” Guterres stated, expressing the UN’s readiness to fully support a peaceful resolution using all available channels.

 

The Secretary-General also emphasized the urgent need to protect the rights of the Palestinian people amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Iran's First Vice President, Aref's meeting on August 05, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Iran’s First Vice President, Aref, met on August 05, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency