WANA (Jun 14) – Amid escalating tensions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Israeli regime, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, strongly criticized the global community’s silence and inaction, warning of the growing threat to the legitimacy of international institutions.

 

In an interview with national media, Gharibabadi referred to recent Israeli attacks on Iranian territory and stated: “Most independent countries around the world have condemned this aggression, yet the Security Council continues to issue only symbolic statements. The Council’s role is not limited to condemnation—it must invoke its binding mechanisms to halt illegal actions immediately.”

 

He described the response of European countries as lacking “diplomatic courage” and heavily influenced by U.S. political will: “The reactions from Germany and France were not only vague and passive but, by abandoning neutrality, effectively played into the hands of the Israeli regime.”

 

Israel Is Outside the NPT but Accuses Iran

Highlighting international double standards, Gharibabadi added: “A regime that has never joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has evaded international inspections for years now accuses Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran has the region’s most transparent nuclear program, subject to constant oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”

“True Promise” — A Legitimate Act of Self-Defense

Referring to Iran’s retaliatory operation, dubbed “True Promise”, Gharibabadi defended it within the framework of international law: “This operation was carried out under Article 51 of the UN Charter, in response to aggression. But even in the absence of legal frameworks, defending the lives of our people and the territorial integrity of Iran is our undeniable and inherent right.”

 

Warning to Neighboring Countries: Legal Accountability Exists

He also warned regional governments, particularly Iraq, over their indirect role in facilitating Israeli attacks: “Even if the Iraqi government does not exercise full control over all of its territory, international law still obligates it to prevent its land from being used for acts of aggression. We have formally requested that the Iraqi government register an official complaint with the Security Council.”

 

IAEA Board of Governors to Convene

Regarding Iran’s legal efforts, Gharibabadi announced: “An emergency session of the IAEA Board of Governors is scheduled for this Monday to address the Israeli attack on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities. This meeting offers a platform to expose the regime’s unlawful conduct and to demand accountability from the international community.”

 

A Clear Message to Allies and Bystanders

In conclusion, Gharibabadi emphasized Iran’s strategy of calibrated response: “Those who stood by Iran in this critical moment will be remembered by our nation. But those who remained silent or chose neutrality should not expect normal relations in the future. Iran will firmly utilize its legal, diplomatic, and operational tools to defend its national security.”