WANA (May 21) – Amir Saeid Iravani, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, emphasized that the allegation of Iran violating the UN arms embargo against Yemen is completely unfounded. Iran has always rejected any involvement in activities that are contrary to the resolutions of the Security Council.

 

On Tuesday local time, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, stated at an open session of the UN Security Council on the topic of “Enhancing Maritime Security through International Cooperation for Global Stability”: “Maritime security must not be selective or subject to unilateral interpretations.”

 

He added, “It must be preserved globally, based on international law, the principle of non-discrimination, and full respect for the sovereignty of states. Iran remains committed to international maritime law and cooperates with all responsible stakeholders to ensure that shipping lanes remain open, safe, and governed by the rule of law—not dominated by force.”

 

The full text of the statement by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations is as follows:

 

In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Mr. President,

 

Allow me to congratulate Greece on assuming the [rotating] Presidency of the Security Council, and to thank the country for convening this timely open debate.

 

Freedom of navigation is one of the pillars of international law, and maritime security is a fundamental element in upholding it. These principles support global peace and stability, as well as the continuous flow of international trade.

 

However, these principles today face increasing and serious threats, including piracy, transnational organized crime, smuggling, and cyberattacks against maritime infrastructure.

 

These challenges have been further exacerbated by coercive unilateral measures, the continued military presence of certain powers, aggressive actions, and the politicization of maritime security under the pretext of protecting freedom of navigation.

 

Mr. President,

 

As a coastal country with extensive borders along the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Iran has always played an important role in enhancing the safety and stability of the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Our naval forces also play a key role in ensuring the security of strategic waterways, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the northern Indian Ocean. They guarantee the safe passage of commercial vessels and oil tankers, and contribute to strengthening both regional and international maritime security.

 

Mr. President,

 

Iran has consistently emphasized that sustainable maritime stability requires inclusive regional cooperation. Unfortunately, coercive unilateral measures, particularly the extraterritorial sanctions imposed by the United States, undermine collective efforts.

 

These unlawful measures disrupt legitimate commercial relations, have led to the illegal seizure of Iranian oil cargoes, violate international law and the UN Charter, and consequently jeopardize global navigational security.

 

Maritime security must not be selective or subject to unilateral interpretations. It must be preserved globally, based on international law, the principle of non-discrimination, and full respect for the sovereignty of states.

 

Iran remains committed to international maritime law and cooperates with all responsible stakeholders to ensure that shipping lanes remain open, safe, and governed by the rule of law—not dominated by force.

 

Before concluding, Mr. President, I would like to categorically reject the baseless and politically motivated allegations made by the representatives of the United States and the Zionist regime.

 

These accusations are not only misleading but represent deliberate attempts to distort regional realities and divert attention from the root causes of instability and insecurity in the Red Sea and beyond.

 

The allegation that Iran has violated the UN arms embargo against Yemen is completely unfounded. Iran has always rejected any involvement in activities that are inconsistent with Security Council resolutions. Resolution 2216 (2015) has repeatedly been misused by the United States to justify unilateral and unlawful actions beyond the mandate of the Security Council.

 

Mr. President,

 

Let me state clearly: the roots of instability in the Red Sea and throughout the region lie in the ongoing crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza and its continued aggression and occupation across the region, all carried out with full U.S. support and under total impunity.

 

This reality cannot be ignored or distorted through the dissemination of false information. The Security Council must address these root causes and uphold the international legal order upon which global maritime peace and security depend.

 

Thank you, Mr. President.